In a letter to AMs, RMT general secretary Bob Crow says the introdcution of a direct link would provide significant benefits to the Welsh economy and in tackling social exclusion.

"The Welsh Assembly government has taken a number of very positive steps in promoting the railways, and supporting this initiative will be consistent with its overall policy of growing the railways in Wales," Bob Crow says.

"Carbon emissions from rail are significantly less than from private car use. In the light of the recent Stern Report into climate change there is an overwhelming political consensus that more needs to be done to encourage people onto public transport.

"Supporting Wrexham-to-London rail services will send a clear public message that the Wales Assembly government is taking a lead in the battle to cut carbon emissions," the letter says.

"There is no doubt that five trains a day direct to and from London would bring significant economic benefits to Wrexham," local RMT branch secretary and councillor David Bithell said.

"Wrexham RMT branch has been campaigning hard behind the council's proposal to bring these rail services to our town

"This proposal is a winner in every way because it would secure sustainable transport links and a healthy future for rail in Wrexham, and would bring up to 50 new jobs to our town," David Bithell said.