Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Beith: "We need clarity on train proposals"

January 26, 2010 12:00 PM

Berwick MP Sir Alan Beith has claimed that the Transport Minister is creating total confusion on future north east train services, with the Government-owned Network Rail and East Coast companies proposing cuts in the services from Berwick, Alnmouth and Morpeth while he himself is consulting on increased services.

The Liberal Democrat MP said

"On the one hand we have Lord Adonis claiming that there will be extra services for Alnmouth, Berwick and Morpeth - but at the same time the proposed timetable for December 2010 shows fewer services calling at our stations and a reduction in the number of through trains to and from Glasgow. The proposed new timetable doesn't properly meet the needs of Berwick and Alnmouth because some of the attempts to speed up trains are taking away stops at our stations and creating gaps in the service.

"Yet Lord Adonis has said that the franchise from 2011 will require there to be more services as well as a non-stop service from Newcastle to London. We need clarity on what is being actually being proposed.

"I am putting pressure on Ministers and the train operating companies to ensure that any changes to the timetable, and to the requirements of the franchise for the East Coast Main Line, retain or improve the services we currently have.

"It is very important that people in Northumberland do not lose a good train service in order to save a few minutes on the journey from Edinburgh to London. I am pressing ministers and the train companies to get this right."

Sir Alan has also added his backing to a Parliamentary motion calling on the Government to ensure that that there will continue to be regular direct services from London King's Cross and north east stations to Glasgow.

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    berwicklibdems.org.uk/en/article/2010/099756/beith-we-need-clarity-on-train-proposals
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    alanbeith.org.uk/a64hN

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Berwick-upon-Tweed constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone