'˜Boost to the local economy' after direct line from Lincoln to London announced

Lincolnshire is set to get direct services from Lincoln to London from 2019 following an announcement made today (Thursday).
County council sustainable travel staff took the opportunity to promote the East Coast at Kings Cross Station as part of a Community Rail in the City event.County council sustainable travel staff took the opportunity to promote the East Coast at Kings Cross Station as part of a Community Rail in the City event.
County council sustainable travel staff took the opportunity to promote the East Coast at Kings Cross Station as part of a Community Rail in the City event.

Lincolnshire County Council today confirmed that the Office of Rail and Road has approved a Virgin Trains East Coast application for the services which will travel along the East Coast Main Line.

A spokesman for the council called the announcement ‘a welcome addition for those who want quick and easy access to the capital’.

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Executive member for highways and transportation at LCC, Coun Richard Davies, said: “The council has campaigned over many years for a better rail service from Lincoln to London. Back in 2007 it looked as if we had achieved this with the promise of direct Lincoln to London trains, but this fell through.

“Since then the council has continued to campaign for direct services to London. I personally wrote to Joanna Whittington, the interim chief executive of the ORR in March this year urging her to approve these services.

“I am delighted that the she has listened and has seen the value of these services not only for those travelling to London, but also for people elsewhere who want to visit and do business in Lincolnshire.”

The bidding process, which took place in 2014-15 saw three train operators applying for space for new services on the East Coast Main Line, which was followed by extensive consultation

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Executive member for economic development and Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership board member, Coun Colin Davie, said: “This commitment from the ORR sends out a clear message that Lincoln is open for business.

“It is now easier for people to get to Lincoln and see all that this great city and wider county have to offer.

“We are lucky in that we boast not only a historic city, but also an amazing coast with Blue Flag beaches, several traditional market towns and miles of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“The introduction of these new services will provide a great boost to the local economy.”