Subscribe to trusted local news

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

  • Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

29

Mar 2022

Last Updated: 29/03/2022
Transport
Transport

Northern to continue with Harrogate train cuts despite pressure from MP

by Thomas Barrett

| 29 Mar, 2022
Comment

0

Andrew Jones MP urged the chairman of Northern to 'rethink' reductions to the service, including the 6.07 first train of the day from Harrogate to Leeds. But a Northern spokesperson says the changes will go ahead from May 15.

jonesstation-1

Northern will press ahead with plans to cancel the 6.07am train service from Harrogate to Leeds, as well as some other services, despite lobbying from Harrogate and Knaresborough's Conservative MP Andrew Jones.

The Stray Ferret reported this month that the 6.07am service — the first of the day — will be axed from May 15. Some evening services will also be cut.

The early service was popular with business travellers as a way to get to London King’s Cross before 9am.

The decision to cut the service was branded as "disgraceful" by Brian Dunsby, of Harrogate Line Supporters Group.

Urging a rethink


Last week, Andrew Jones MP wrote to the chairman of Northern, Robin Gisby, urging him to “rethink” reductions to the service between Harrogate and Leeds.

Mr Jones wrote that train services in Harrogate had got better over the past decade but cuts could risk losing these "hard-won improvements".

However, a Northern spokesperson said today that the operator, which is now owned by the UK government, confirmed the cuts will still take place from May 15.

They said the cuts were primarily due to driver shortages and not a reduction in passengers since the pandemic.

However, the spokesperson added Northern will look to reinstate some services during the rest of 2022.




Read more:







The spokesperson said:

“We recognise that some of our customers are disappointed with the upcoming changes to their service. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused."
"Along with the rest of the industry, some amendments to the timetable will be made from 15 May 2022.
"For the remainder of the year, services will be reinstated where possible with the intention of a larger uplift in December 22.
"These reinstatements will take us more in line with December 2021 service levels although any changes are dependent on several factors. We will share the final plans when we can."


Brian Dunsby, of Harrogate Line Supporters Group said news that the 6.07am cut would remain was "not good enough".

He added:

"I was expecting them to keep that one. I'm very disappointed."