The plans for an open-access operator to run direct trains to London has been shunted into the sidings

Shropshire Star

Now I was under the impression that the trains were going to be routed through the Chilterns via Banbury and wouldn't be going anywhere near Birmigham International or Coventry.

So to get to London, it looks like we've got at least another year of missed connections at Birmingham New Street, long waits at Wolverhampton and Mr Branson's cramped and smelly trains to look forward to.

Disappointing but Pendolinos are hardly cramped and smelly, I usually enjoy travelling on them.

The Chiltern line does pass through Solihull, Bham Int and Coventry I think before heading to Stratford, Banbury etc, I've taken it a couple of times from Bham Moor St but I could be wrong.

Looking through a 1972 rail timetable recently i noted it took under three hours to London from Shrewsbury,and thats including a loco change at W.hamton,some progress eh.