New direct train services from London to Wrexham and Rochdale rejected

Regulator also vetoes extra Blackpool service, citing lack of space on west coast mainline for new direct trains to capital

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Plans to run direct train services to Wrexham and Rochdale from London have been rejected by the rail regulator because of “significant pressure” on the line.

The Office of Rail and Road said that there was insufficient space on the crowded west coast mainline to introduce the two new separate train services.