EARLIER train services are set to be introduced in the Western direction of the North Wales coast line.

The details of the timetable are still to be confirmed, but Transport for Wales (TfW) have confirmed they are committed to providing one Westbound departure from Rhyl to Llandudno prior to 7am. This is expected to start in December.

At the moment, the earliest train TfW provide from Rhyl to Llandudno is the 7.27am.

Chris Ruane, MP for Vale of Clwyd, met with officials from TfW at the House of Commons, where details were revealed to him about the service plans.

Mr Ruane raised a number of issues - affecting the area - with the organisation including earlier trains along the North Wales Coast line in the westerly direction and the possibility of setting up a Friends of Rhyl Railway Station group.

Lewis Brencher, communications director for TfW, said: “With regards to the possibility of introducing earlier rail services from Rhyl, services on the North Wales Coast Line are currently tightly timed in order to make connections and get a clear path through Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly, two of the busiest stations on the national network.

“Westbound services are also timed for connections with ferries at Holyhead.

"However, we are pleased to confirm that we will be introducing an earlier service from December 2019."

From December 2022, TfW plan to transform timetables for North Wales services and a second Westbound service prior to 7am will be added which will run to Bangor.

Mr Ruane said: "We are excited by the possibility of the establishment of a Friends of Rhyl Station group.

"We are committed to achieving 90 per cent of our stations being adopted by 2023 - it’s a great way to get communities involved in the railway.

“Stations are the gateway to many towns and villages and station adopters across Wales and Borders have embarked on many projects to enhance their welcoming feel including gardening, art and community run cafés.

"Constituents had raised the lack of trains from Prestatyn to Rhyl prior to 7am so I am pleased that this is being looked at.

"Friends of Prestatyn Railway Station has proved to be a great success in improving the overall appearance of the station in that town and it would be fantastic to have this replicated in Rhyl after the renovation at the station.”

TfW have been approached for comment.