Restore direct Blackpool-London trains

Following the decision to turn down plans to restore direct rail links between Blackpool and London earlier this month, Blackpool Labour Euro MP and EU Transport Chief Brian Simpson has today [Friday 18th March] written to Transport Minister Theresa Villiers to argue the town's case.

The rail regulator (ORR) refused the application on the grounds that it would adversely affect the current service provided by Virgin on the West Coast Main Line, which sees trains travel only as close as Preston at present.  

Labour's Mr Simpson, who is also Chairman of the European Parliament Transport Committee, has written to Transport Minister Theresa Villiers asking for Blackpool-London services to be included in the new West Coast Main Line plan when the franchise, currently operated by Virgin, is renewed next year.

"I am disappointed that the application to open direct Blackpool to London services was turned down, but the answer must now lie in including the route in the new West Coast Main Line franchise", said Mr Simpson, EU Transport Chief.

"A direct service will be much-welcomed by travellers to and from Blackpool and will bring great benefits to the town. The decision has already been taken to electrify the train line between Blackpool and Preston, and restoring the direct service to London is a logical next step in improving transport in our area", added Mr Simpson.

Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden, who lobbied for the electrification of the line and successfully campaigned against the closure of Blackpool South station, said: "As Britain’s most popular seaside resort, it is vital that a direct rail service to London is restored. I support Mr Simpson's calls and I hope that Theresa Villiers will agree to add Blackpool to the new West Coast Main Line plans".

The last direct service between the resort and the capital was scrapped in May 2003 and a new service would put an end to the inconvenience of travellers changing trains at Preston.