‘Campaign is starting to make a difference’: Fresh pressure for improvements on Nottingham to Skegness rail line

The latest update from the ongoing campaign comes after weeks of complaints over overcrowding, cancellations and poor travel experiences on the popular route serving the Lincolnshire coast.

Campaigners say support is continuing to grow, with backing now coming from major local business group The Mellors Group, owners of attractions including Fantasy Island and Skegness Pier.

The group says better rail links are vital for both residents and visitors travelling to the resort.

Campaign organisers also revealed they had written to Lord Hendy, the Government’s trains minister, who reportedly acknowledged concerns about the service.

According to campaigners, Lord Hendy said he shared concerns about passenger experiences and said East Midlands Railway planned targeted capacity increases over the Easter school holidays.

However, campaigners say those extra services did not materialise.

They claim East Midlands Railway later told them additional capacity had not been introduced because several trains required servicing at the same time.

Campaigners also say Lord Hendy indicated that 13,700 extra seats a week are due to be introduced on the Nottingham to Skegness route, along with an end to the use of overflow replacement buses.

But organisers say confidence remains low until passengers see improvements delivered in practice.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: “It’s starting to feel like we are achieving some small wins.

“Our campaign was only at a start and it wouldn’t be going away any time soon, so they should crack on with improving the service.”

The campaign also raised concerns about cleanliness on some trains, saying dirty carriages had been highlighted during talks with rail bosses.

Previously, East Midlands Railway told Lincolnshire World: “We recognise how important the Nottingham to Skegness route is for local communities and visitors, and we understand concerns, particularly during busy periods.

“Since the December timetable change, 3.5% of services on the Skegness line have been cancelled. We continue to monitor performance and demand closely and plan our timetable to make the best possible use of the fleet available, running as many services and as much capacity as we can.

“We have introduced a range of measures to improve the overall journey experience, including managed queuing at Nottingham and Skegness, Passenger Assistance meet-and-greet points, and additional staff to support customers.

“There has also been a strong focus on supporting vulnerable passengers, improving accessibility, and providing clearer information before and during travel across digital and non-digital channels.

“We are also investing for the longer term, with a £60 million programme to refurbish our regional trains – delivering upgraded interiors, improved seating, charging points and modern passenger information systems – as well as contributing to the £3.3 million upgrade work at Skegness station.”

The latest update comes after a meeting with Alex Norris MP, who campaigners say expressed support for passengers and pledged to look at further steps.

The Nottingham to Skegness route is particularly important during spring and summer, bringing thousands of day-trippers and holidaymakers to the coast.

Campaigners are continuing to urge residents and visitors to back their petition calling for a more reliable, better capacity rail service to Skegness.