A DIRECT train service linking Wrexham to London via Shropshire is to end this week. 

Train company Wrexham and Shropshire today announced it will stop trading due to a lack of passenger numbers. 

The company said that despite having attempted to increase passenger numbers, it has determined that the business has no prospect of reaching profitability and providing a return on investment. 

It said that alternative employment opportunities within the railway industry are being sought for the 55 employees and added that all staff wages and full redundancy entitlements will be paid .

The last train to depart will be the 6.30pm train from London Marylebone to Wrexham General on Friday January 28 which will arrive in Wrexham at 10.36pm. 

From Saturday January 29 all Wrexham and Shropshire tickets already purchased will be valid on alternative routes into London Euston operated by Arriva Trains Wales, London Midland and Virgin Trains, and from London Marylebone by Chiltern Railways. 

Wrexham passengers should travel with Arriva Trains Wales to Chester then take Virgin Trains to London Euston.  Wrexham and Shropshire launched in April 2008 restoring direct train services between Wrexham, Shropshire and London. 

Chairman Adrian Shooter, CBE said: “Regrettably, we have concluded that the potential for further changes to the company's operations, including any synergy with Arriva Trains Wales, will not improve the financial position sufficiently. 

“The shareholders have invested in excess of £13m in launching the business and funding its losses, and have now concluded that there is no reasonable prospect that Wrexham and Shropshire can become profitable, or offer a return on this investment.”