Trudy Harrison has hit out at Northern Rail following changes to its enhanced services that will see trains limit the number of stops at rural stations on the Cumbria Coast Line.
Trudy has written to Northern Rail in dispute of the decision, which will see additional services on the newly released Cumbria Coast Line timetable omit certain stations on the route.
These include Silecroft, Bootle and Drigg, as well as Braystones and Nethertown
Mrs Harrison recently praised Northern Rail for its increased daily services and the introduction of 22 services between Barrow and Carlisle every Sunday, along with regular evening trains.
The Copeland MP has also commended the Government’s pledge to deliver the biggest investment in railways since Victorian times, more than any other Government, committing £61 billion to ‘provide improved railway infrastructure, more trains and better stations, benefiting millions of passengers across the country.’
In her letter, Mrs Harrison, writes: “The publication of the May timetable for the Cumbrian Coast Line was one long anticipated as a moment for the West Cumbrian community to rejoice, particularly given it marked the introduction of a much-needed Sunday service.
“Sadly, our excitement has been overtaken by frustration as we now learn that, despite the additional services, several smaller stations, specifically Nethertown, Braystones, Drigg, Bootle and Silecroft, will not be requestable stops on a proportion of the weekday services.
“While I appreciate that the absolute number of services to all stations will increase, it is very disappointing that some of the additional services will exclude these stops. Our railway is the main means of transport and connection for many villages.
“This is nothing but a disappointment and an inconvenience to my community. Whilst we are very pleased to finally have the introduction of a Sunday service, it is unacceptable that so many villages will be excluded from the timetable and an urgent rethink is now necessary to better serve these communities.”
This month Mrs Harrison has met with the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, Minister of State for Rail, Jo Johnson MP as well as senior bosses from Northern and Network Rail to share her constituents concerns surrounding the dire state of the network.
The enhanced services form part of Northern’s May timetable change, which is said to be paving the way for future improvements and getting the network ready for the arrival of Northern’s fully refurbished trains in December.
