Renewed Calls For Direct Rail Link to London from Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Councillors Back Grand Central’s Bid as Pressure Mounts on Government and Rail Regulator
Councillors in North East Lincolnshire have unanimously backed a renewed campaign to restore a direct rail service between Grimsby, Cleethorpes and London.
The council has agreed to write to both the new Prime Minister and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), supporting Grand Central’s proposal for a service via Scunthorpe and Doncaster.
The move comes as Grand Central, part of Arriva, awaits a decision on its route application to run trains connecting Cleethorpes to London King’s Cross.
The plan has faced objections from Network Rail, who cite timetabling and capacity issues at King’s Cross as concerns. Despite these challenges, councillors say restoring the direct link is crucial for the area’s growth, with Conservative group leader Philip Jackson highlighting the thirty-four year wait since the last train to London ran in nineteen ninety-two.
An amendment at the latest council meeting saw councillors agree to write to the rail regulator in support of Grand Central’s plans, with hopes the new Prime Minister will also get behind the campaign.
Grand Central argues the new service could provide more competitive fares and boost economic opportunities for Lincolnshire communities.