Gainsborough: Train survey launched

GRaB did a survey in Gainsborough Market Place about improving rail services in the town G130827-1a

Gainsborough’s Rail and Bus users group (GRaB) launched the survey in the Market Square on Tuesday 27th August.

Keith Panter, GRaB’s chairman, said: “There was much interest shown in running trains from Central Station to Cleethorpes and Doncaster.”

“People also expressed a wish for the reinstatement of a bus service to Doncaster.”

“We shall pursue this and other bus requests with Stagecoach buses.”

The Gainsborough and District Rail and Bus Users Group (GRaB), which was launched in April 2012, represents the views of commuters to rail and bus operators and local authorities.

It aims to put pressure on the Government to improve public transport in the Gainsborough area.

Gainsborough Central station, located close to Marshall’s Yard shopping centre , has three trains a week, all which run on a Saturday, and run from Sheffield to Cleethorpes.

Barry Coward, from GRaB, said: “This train service predates the opening of Marshall’s Yard and the new Guildhall building in 2007. “

“Since then more people work and shop in the area but Northern Rail tell GRaB that they are limited to three trains a week by the Franchise they operate for the Department for Transport.”

“In February 2016 a new franchise will be let for the line.

“GRaB has been advised by Martin Vickers, MP for Cleethorpes, that he would support all the communities along the line to Cleethorpes to come together and present a case to the DfT for an improved service to be specified in the new franchise.”

“As a first step GRaB needs to measure the extent of potential demand for those travelling both to and from Gainsborough Central station.”

“In addition to the service to Cleethorpes and Sheffield it is physically possible to run trains non stop from Gainsborough Central to Doncaster so GRaB has added Doncaster to the destinations from Central station in its survey.”

The 10 question survey can be completed online at www.grab.eavb.co.uk.

GRaB hope to publish the results of the survey in November.

To find out more about GRaB you can find them on Facebook.

GRaB are also working to revitalise Lea Road Station and a team of volunteers cleaned signs, unblocked drains and cleared away shrubbery.