Direct Cleethorpes to London train won't happen until at least December
Local MPs are urging the Government to give a direct link the go ahead
Last updated 29th Jan 2025
There'll be no return of direct trains between Cleethorpes and London until at least December.
The Government's responded to a written question from Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn.
The return depends on timetable changes to the East Coast Mainline whilst another factor is station improvements which are apparently needed at Market Rasen.
Those improvements could mean it takes even longer although MP Sir Edward Leigh - whose constituency covers Market Rasen - has questioned whether they are fully necessary.
The service between Cleethorpes and London was discontinued in 1992.
Instead of looking for more reasons to delay, we need to focus on how this line will create opportunities
There has long been a push for its revival, with Martin Vickers MP (Conservative – Brigg and Immingham) raising the matter in Parliament in 2011.
Ms Onn has responded.
She said she appreciated the Government’s response, but had some concerns.
In particular, the Labour MP called for the service’s restoration to not have to wait for Market Rasen.
“Whilst I understand some of the Government’s concerns about Market Rasen, we should not make perfect the enemy of the good.
Instead of looking for more reasons to delay, we need to focus on how this line will create opportunities for people across Lincolnshire.
“Starting this service now would be a crucial step in improving connectivity and supporting growth in the region. We can then look into adding additional stops at places like Market Rasen further down the line.”
Ms Onn noted North East Lincolnshire is the home of one of the UK’s major ports and is a leading hub for green energy, but the lack of direct service to London was driving businesses to the other side of the Humber.
“I’ve spoken to several business representatives in these sectors who have told me they are forced to base themselves in Hull simply because it has a direct rail connection.
I strongly believe there is a clear case for starting the service sooner
If we want towns like Grimsby and Cleethorpes to thrive, we need investment and better connectivity. Businesses will not come here if they cannot get here easily.
“I strongly believe there is a clear case for starting the service sooner and adding Market Rasen at a later stage. I will be writing to the Railways Minister, Lord Hendy, to voice my concerns and urge him to reconsider this decision.”
Ms Onn’s question tabled earlier this month asked what recent progress had been made in discussions to establish a rail link between Cleethorpes and London.
Minister for Local Transport Simon Lightwood answered, stating Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander knows restoring Grimsby and Cleethorpes’ direct rail link to the capital “has been a longstanding local ambition”.
At Market Rasen significant infrastructure work, estimated to cost £15 to £20 million, would be required
He confirmed it will not return until at least East Coast timetable changes happen, from December.
“We are working with industry to understand the timetabling, financial, operational and infrastructure issues that would need to be resolved before a service to Cleethorpes could be introduced, once the East Coast Mainline timetable change has been implemented this December.”
Testing and assessments by LNER and Network Rail had shown no major infrastructure changes were needed to reintroduce the route for Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
“However, for LNER trains to serve Market Rasen station, significant infrastructure work, estimated to cost £15 to £20 million, would be required.
The introduction of this service would be subject to funding and a thorough business case process.”