Train operator is 'committed to restoring rail services at Kenilworth station' after suspenions due to Covid-19

Train operator West Midlands Railway (WMR) is committed to restoring rail services through Kenilworth Station and to meeting with town councillors to discuss how both this and improving reliability and the viability of the ticket office can be achieved as soon as possible.
Kenilworth StationKenilworth Station
Kenilworth Station

Town mayor Cllr Richard Dickson wrote to WMR questioning its decision to suspend train services at Kenilworth Station effective from January 18 and has received a response from Julian Edwards, the managing director for WMR.

Cllr Dickson said: "WMR says it is committed both to restoring the service and to meeting with the Council to discuss how both this and improving the reliability of the service and the viability of the ticket office can be achieved as soon as possible.

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"Councillors are very conscious that it's less than three years since the train service restarted in 2018 after a gap of more than 50 years and that it was a £12 million plus project to secure the service.

Kenilworth Station.Kenilworth Station.
Kenilworth Station.

"The town council is also looking to Warwickshire County Council, the local MP, the Department for Transport and The Office of Rail and Road to take action.

"For the town council having a thriving train service and ticket office is important for both residents and visitors to the town, especially because it encourages a more climate change friendly form of travel."

In his letter Cllr Dickson wrote: "The council understands the problems caused by COVID-19.

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"However, the train station was the biggest single capital investment ever in the town and the importance of the train service for local residents and visitors to the town is vital.

"It helps them travel in a way consistent with the council’s climate change emergency objectives and in boosting local tourism and business in our town centre.

"It is understood that WMR will be providing a replacement bus, but the complete removal of a rail service, even under present circumstances, is very disappointing.

"It is noticeable that none of your other services have been completely suspended and Kenilworth appears to be the only station on your network with no service at all. "