Local MP Kevin Foster has fought a high-profile campaign over the past 6 months to save direct CrossCountry Train services running from the North and Midlands to the Bay.
Businesses and our tourist industry rely on these trains, particularly in the summer, to bring much valued tourists to our local area.
Kevin was horrified at CrossCountry's original plan, which would have reduced direct services by 70%. He immediately embarked on a determined campaign to do whatever he could to reverse this decision, accepting the parameters that he was dealing with a private rail franchise company and not a Government body as some local opposition councillors have claimed.
Kevin quickly gathered a petition to save the service, which was supported by over 1,500 local rail users, and met at Westminster with CrossCountry's CEO Andy Cooper. During a robust conversation, Kevin made clear on behalf of his constituents that the proposed cuts were completely unacceptable.
Since then, Kevin has continued to keep the pressure up on the franchise by lobbying DfT Ministers. He was pleased that the DfT asked CrossCountry Trains to think again and that a revised proposal - significantly altering CrossCountry's original plan for cuts - will emerge around June time.
Kevin will maintain the pressure on this private rail company and will keep you updated on any developments.