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In a frank interview with the Evening Leader, Wrexham Council leader Aled Roberts today criticised the current transport links from the north to Cardiff and stressed that the region should be viewed as one of the country's main economic power houses.

His comments came ahead of multi-million pound transport plans to create stronger links between north and south Wales. They are set to be rolled out latter this year.

Investment in travel and transport will top £350m over four years in a Welsh Assembly bid to unite Wales.

Last year transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones revealed that 2008 would see rail and coach links revitalised and a faster train service introduced.

He is now spearheading an ambitious programme to achieve the government's vision of building 'One Wales,' which includes improvements to the A470, trunk roads, and "pinch-points" on the M4 and the A55.

An Evening Leader investigation has looked into the transport network said to be "fit for this century," and the strategic enhancements that seek to address Wales' social and economic challenges.

Mr Roberts said: "We as a council have been consciously stressing in Cardiff and within all Wales groupings that Wales cannot exist in a vacuum and due regard has to be had to the continuing connections with the north west of England.

"It is unlikely in my view that economic and service links will transfer to Cardiff.

"The council does support improved north-south links within Wales although I personally believe that insufficient recognition is being given to the fact that Wrexham/Flintshire is one of the current economic powerhouses of the UK at present never mind Wales.

"There is a danger that within Cardiff north east Wales is ignored and that constant attention is given to the needs of north west Wales only.

"It is clear as a nation that we have a requirement for economic development and regeneration in the west but due regard must also be given to our position."

Developing integrated local transport will form a crucial part of the scheme and will also support the country's carbon reduction target.

And in the coming months plans will be in the pipeline for Trans-European corridors across both north and south Wales as well as upgraded railway timetables and faster rail links.

Main artery routes linking the regions via the busiest hubs on the internal and national network are also set to be scrutinised.

"Improving transport links throughout Wales will make our economy more competetive and will bring the people of our nation closer together," said Mr Jones, deputy first minister and minister for the economy and transport.

"The key priority is to develop a network that strikes a balance between the nation's economic, social and environmental objectives recognising the distinctive needs of different parts of Wales – rural communities and urban centres."

Built on concerns that the North Wales community finds it easier to venture into north westerly cities such as Liverpool and Manchester, 'One Wales' hopes to lure commuters, tourists and daytrippers deeper into the country with easier hassle-free routes.

But Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths said that historical and cultural connections with Merseyside and Manchester have always been prevalent and will continue to thrive.

She is currently campaigning to bring the electrification of the Wrexham to Bidston line into force to improve the economy and links to Liverpool.

"This is an exciting time for Wales – it's a period of change and opportunity," she said.

"There is a realisation that collectively, we can deliver quality services for people in Wales – north or south – and we can."

She added: "Of course more needs to be done to connect the north and south of our country. However, I am certain this will improve over the coming years.

"There is a real and tangible commitment and desire amongst politicians in all parties in the Assembly, to make this happen. You only have to listen to debates in the National Assembly to realise that.

"As more powers are devolved to Cardiff over the next few years, the commitment to improve and deliver north-south links will become even stronger – of that I am sure."

Delyn MP David Hanson said: "One of our area's major strengths is its location. The economy in Flintshire is driven from east to west. We have very strong links this side of the border with Wrexham and with the North West of England, with cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Chester. In fact the area known as the Deeside Hub has been the fastest growing economic region in the UK over the last twenty years.

"It is our proximity to these regenerated towns and cities which have enabled us to develop the economy here in Flintshire, providing more jobs and keeping unemployment low.

"The relationship the north of Wales has with Cardiff is an important one as the Assembly has powers in a number of policy areas, including health and education.

"However, whilst it is important to work with Cardiff it is also essential that we, for practical reasons, have good access to services across the border.

"For example, my constituents will continue to the Countess of Chester hospital and other services in England.

"As the financial centre of the world and the home of the UK Parliament it is also fundamentally important to keep a strong working relationship with London.

"Improvements to the rail service out of Flint, and continued improvements out of Wrexham, are just one of the reasons that North Wales is an attractive proposition to UK and international investors."

Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami added: "Transportation links, particularly road and rail, are fundamental in building a robust economy.

"The A55 was central to the growth of Deeside Industrial Park and the North Wales economy.

He added: "As well as north to south transportation links, we must retain a focus on east to west. The vast majority of people in North Wales have work links to the North West of England and to the Midlands. This fact has to be recognised at all times in planning transportation networks."

Terry Mellor, acting chief executive for the region's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that transport links are a major factor pushing business into the north west.

He said: "Effectively our member companies in places such as Holyhead and Bangor can reach Liverpool or Manchester by road in about one and a half hours, compared to two to three hours depending on route to reach Cardiff.

"As a consequence, from a purely commercial viewpoint, companies naturally look to the North West of England both to sell and buy products and services which are affected by transport costs, and are not available locally."

He added: "At a time when the internet and reductions in world trade barriers are making commerce truly without borders, I believe Welsh business should be looking to tap into markets world wide, and not worrying about real or perceived loss of business due to a north/south divide, while of course pressing for improved transport links, and preparing to take commercial advantage of them when and if they come to fruition."

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