Council and MPs remain optimistic about rail services on the Fylde coast after Blackpool to London route plan is scrapped

MPs and Blackpool Council are remaining optimistic about rail services in the resort after a planned £21m train service project linking Blackpool to London hit the buffers.
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Grand Central’s Lancashire to London rail service had already been delayed until 2021 after it suspended all rail services due to coronavirus lockdown, but now parent operator Arriva has pulled the plug on the North West route after rendering the plans as 'unfeasible'.

Company executives at Grand Central and Arriva said following months of exploring all options to launch the proposed expansion of services to the North West route as planned, it is not now viable due to the economic uncertainty and changed travel patterns caused by Covid-19.

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The expansion of Grand Central’s services to the North West Route would have linked communities in Blackpool, Preston, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes directly to London Euston,

Grand Central has axed plans to run trains between Blackpool and LondonGrand Central has axed plans to run trains between Blackpool and London
Grand Central has axed plans to run trains between Blackpool and London

The project had seen Grand Central establish offices in Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway Bickerstaffe House offices. and take on extra staff, including drivers and crew.

Employees who may be affected by the decision have been advised of the potential risk to jobs, and suppliers and stakeholders are being briefed. A period of consultation has also begun between affected employees, rail unions and Grand Central executives.

The company operates under an “open access” rail model unlike the normal franchises such as Arriva, and does not receive support from the Government.

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Richard McClean, managing director of Grand Central, said it was “heart-breaking” that the route has had to be abandoned and the company had explored “every possibility” to continue with the project.

The operator said Covid-19 has made plans 'unfeasible'The operator said Covid-19 has made plans 'unfeasible'
The operator said Covid-19 has made plans 'unfeasible'

He said: “So much effort has been put into these exciting plans to launch services between London and Blackpool, that it is heartbreaking to have to abandon them at this point but the pandemic and its effect on our expansion plans have just proved too big an obstacle.

“Because Grand Central operates under an Open Access business model, we receive no external financial help and we rely completely on what we generate in ticket sales. Despite months of work to adjust our costs, and monitor travel behaviour for signs of change it became more obvious to us that to invest in what is essentially a start-up enterprise in this climate was simply not feasible and therefore we reluctantly reached the very tough decision to cease the project permanently.

“We will now concentrate on rebuilding our two existing routes, which returned to service earlier this summer, following lockdown.”

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Mr McClean added: “We have explored every possibility to continue with plans to start the North West route and protect these jobs. The people we took on have shown incredible patience and professionalism during what has been a period of great uncertainty. They have been at the forefront of our motivation to continue with the route and deliver services to new customers.

Grand Central managing director Richard McCleanGrand Central managing director Richard McClean
Grand Central managing director Richard McClean

“The great support we have also received from Blackpool and the other communities along the route has been a massive inspiration for us to find a solution. I want to thank you all so much.”

Earlier this year before the pandemic had hit the country, Grand Central announced it was investing £21m into the route and had already secured 24

coaches and five locomotives to run daily direct services between the resort and the capital.

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The coaches were undergoing a £1.5m refurbishment in Widnes after being leased from Eversholt Rail until December 2026.

Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul MaynardBlackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard
Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard

Following the news Blackpool Council said it will continue to communicate with Grand Central to see if it can support the services returning in the future.

A council spokesman said: “It is obviously disappointing to lose these new services but we fully understand that transport operators are facing challenging times during this pandemic. We will be talking to Grand Central in due course to determine whether there is anything we can do to support the revival of their plans at some point in the future.

“In the meantime, it is encouraging that Avanti has now reinstated its direct services between London and Blackpool.

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“The council holds regular meetings with all rail operators who offer services in and out of Blackpool to explore improvements in service, capacity and rolling stock.”

Fylde MP Mark Menzies said he was not surprised by the news but remains optimistic that the Fylde coast will gain additional rail services in the future.

He said: “This is disappointing but not unexpected news given the difficult times the rail industry is going through due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I see this not as a cancellation but a postponement – I am sure Grand Central or another operator will be able to run these services at a future date.

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“The Fylde has a lot to offer and I am sure there will be huge demand for services in future, when the pandemic is over and we can travel normally once again.”

Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP and former rail minister, Paul Maynard, said he was disappointed about the plans being scrapped but remained hopeful the operator could return to the resort.

He said: “I’m really sad to hear Blackpool is missing out on Grand Central’s proised services to London.

“The railways are going through a difficult time right now, so let’s hope they recover and Grand Central can look again at the service’s potential.”