Tests Underway for the Return of Direct Trains between Cleethorpes and London

Key Highlights :

1. Testing is taking place this month for the return of direct trains between Cleethorpes and London.

2. There has been a campaign for 40 years for the restoration of the Cleethorpes to London train route.

3. Electrical power and other problems led to hopes of the return of the service in May 2022 to be dashed.

4. There remains no set date for its return but LNER have said they are working with Network Rail to make progress on safety and operational testing.

5. Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh raised the issue in the House of Commons.

6. He wants the route back and for Market Rasen to be a stop.

7. He has been campaigning for that train to be reinstated for 40 years—ever since he was elected as a member of parliament.

     The long-awaited return of direct trains between Cleethorpes and London is finally on the horizon. After 40 years of campaigning, the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, has indicated his hope that the service will be included in the next timetable changes. Tests are set to take place later this month to determine the viability of the route, with LNER working with Network Rail on safety and operational testing.

     Great Grimsby MP Lia Nici announced the testing on social media, saying “It is great to see one of my 2019 General Election pledges coming to life.” Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh has also been a longstanding campaigner for the restoration of the service, and last week raised the issue in the House of Commons.

     The plan to restore the route in May 2022 was delayed due to operational and staffing problems caused by the pandemic, as well as cracks on board new Hitachi Azuma trains and major power supply issues. However, LNER managing director David Horne has said “We proposed a direct daily return train from Cleethorpes and Grimsby to London King’s Cross as part of our ambitions for timetable enhancements from May 2022.”

     If the route is confirmed, it will be a welcome relief for residents of the area who have been relying on National Express bus services between Grimsby and London Victoria. The six and a half hour journey stops at Cleethorpes, New Waltham, Louth, Wragby, Lincoln and Nottingham, and resumed in April after a three year absence. A direct Grimsby to Birmingham service also began in April.

     The tests being carried out this month will determine whether the service is viable, and the results will be used to decide whether the route is included in the next timetable change. This would be a huge boost for the area, allowing for more convenient and comfortable travel between Cleethorpes and London.

     For now, the wait continues. However, with tests underway and a decision expected soon, it looks like the long-awaited return of direct trains between Cleethorpes and London may finally be within reach.

Continue Reading at Source : grimsbytetelegraph