Understand
Grand Central withdraws application for direct Cleethorpes and Grimsby to London rail route
Overview
Grand Central has withdrawn its application to operate a direct rail service from Cleethorpes and Grimsby to London King's Cross, stating that the length of time taken to assess the proposal made it no longer viable. The plans, which had received local support including from North East Lincolnshire Council and local MP Melanie Onn, would have provided four return services per day. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) noted that the application was contested by Network Rail and the Department for Transport, involving complex capacity, performance and economic issues.
Key points
- Grand Central has dropped its plans for a direct rail route from Cleethorpes and Grimsby to London.
- Director Chris Brandon stated the proposal was no longer viable due to the length of time taken to assess the application.
- The cancelled proposal would have introduced four new return services daily and over 775,000 additional seats annually.
- The Office of Rail and Road stated the application was contested by Network Rail and the Department for Transport, involving complex capacity and performance issues.
- The plans previously had significant backing from North East Lincolnshire Council and local MP Melanie Onn.