Petition launched calling for urgent improvements to Nottingham–Skegness rail service

Paul Collins, of Skegness, has started the online campaign, which has already gained more than 100 supporters within 24 hours, highlighting growing frustration among passengers.

The petition urges ministers to intervene and ensure operator East Midlands Railway (EMR) provides a modern, reliable and properly resourced service.

Passengers say the current service is frequently overcrowded, with insufficient and outdated rolling stock, often leaving people standing or even unable to board trains. Concerns have also been raised about cleanliness and regular cancellations.

During the busy summer months, the situation is said to worsen further, with some travellers unable to book train tickets and instead forced onto replacement buses.

The latest concerns come as commuters across the East Midlands face increasing disruption linked to extreme weather, with flood-related rail delays and cancellations in the region rising by around 153% compared with the mid-2010s.

Mr Collins, a local councillor, said the issue has persisted for years, despite repeated efforts to raise concerns. He wrote to Lord Hendy last August but said no assurances were given, with the problems described as “short term” despite ongoing disruption.

He also invited EMR representatives to attend a Skegness Town Council meeting, but said they did not attend, and have yet to make direct contact despite ministerial suggestions.

Recent comments from passengers backing the petition describe overcrowded trains, travellers forced to stand near toilets, and a lack of basic facilities such as charging points. Others stressed the importance of the route for both residents and visitors.

In the meantime, refurbishment work continues at Skegness railway station, aimed at improving facilities for travellers arriving in the resort. Campaigners say improvements to the service itself must now follow.

Lincolnshire World approached EMR for a comment. A spokesperson said: “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.”