Direct London train to Market Rasen ruled out
An MP says he’s “very disappointed” the government won’t back a direct train from London to Market Rasen.
Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh has been campaigning for years to restore the service, which was stopped in the 1990s.
The Department for Transport claims it would require up to £20 million in station improvements, although Sir Leigh doesn’t believe these are necessary.
He previously described a direct route from the capital to Market Rasen, continuing on to Grimsby and Cleethorpes, as “the single best thing” that could happen for Lincolnshire.
However, Secretary of State for Transport MP Heidi Alexander has written to say it wouldn’t be value for money.
“Having reviewed the case for a direct Cleethorpes and Grimsby to London service, it has been determined this cannot be funded at the current time,” she wrote.
“Assessments by LNER and Network Rail have confirmed that while trains could service Cleethorpes and Grimsby without major infrastructure changes, additional funding would be required to support the necessary service pattern changes.
“For LNER services to call at Market Rasen, significant upgrades would be needed to ensure safe, compliant operation of the station.
“These works, including a full-length raised platform and a new footbridge, are estimated to cost between £15million and £20million.
“While selective door opening was explored and tested, it would not meet safety and operational requirements at this station.”
She said a fresh assessment would be made as passenger services were nationalised under Great British Railways.
Sir Edward, who has been campaigning on the issue with Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers for many years, said he didn’t accept the government’s reasoning.
“After years of campaigning to re-establish a direct through-train service via Market Rasen, I’m very disappointed to receive this letter today confirming that the government isn’t willing to commit the funds to Lincolnshire,” he said on Facebook.
“The referenced £15-20 million works are not necessary!”
He previously pointed out that Grimsby was one of the largest towns in England without a through train to the capital.
The direct service from London currently terminates in Lincoln, with passengers required to change to continue their journey.
The government says there are now more frequent trains travelling between Lincoln and North East Lincolnshire to help offset this.