Statement on ORR approval of Virgin Trains application to provide direct trains

ORR chief executive, Richard Price, said:

ORR has approved an application from Virgin Trains to extend some of its existing services operating between London and the Midlands, to provide direct trains to Shrewsbury and Blackpool from December 2014.

Today's announcement is good news for passengers travelling between London and both Shrewsbury and Blackpool, who will have the option of an easier and more efficient journey without having to change trains.