THE Green Party welcomes the decision to provide a direct train from Shrewsbury to London Euston, but very much hopes that all Shropshire residents can use it.

One of the many disadvantages of our uncoordinated, privatised railway system is that no one is taking an overview.

The new 6.39am departure from Shrewsbury is of no use to all residents who can use Church Stretton, Craven Arms and Ludlow stations.

The current timetable offers an arrival in Shrewsbury at 6.43am, four minutes after the London train has departed.

This is a really good example of why our privatised system is not fit for purpose and should have been sorted out before any announcements.

The Green Party is the only party committed to returning our trains to co-ordinated public ownership, to avoid precisely this kind of problem.

In the meantime, I have written to Arriva Trains Wales to ask that all of us in Ludlow, Craven Arms and Church Stretton can get to Shrewsbury before the London train leaves.

JANET HELEN PHILLIPS

South Shropshire Green Party

Walcot Avenue

Lydbury North