Reports that the government has scaled down plans to upgrade the East Coast Main Line have been criticised by a Conservative MEP.

Martin Callanan has written to the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) to complain that plans to double the frequency of services and increase capacity have been shelved

An official announcement is not due for several weeks - but the chairman of the SRA has already warned that some major projects may not go ahead.

It is feared ambitious plans to spend �2bn improving the line between Newcastle and London - which would have seen tilting trains travelling at 140mph - could be abandoned.

Martin Callanan has written to the SRA

Mr Callanan, a North East MEP, said the decision was a big blow to the region.

"Obviously, we don't know the decision for definite but certainly all the indications and leaks coming out of the SRA make it look as though the East Coast Main Line and upgrade has been cancelled.

"That is extremely concerning because there was a lot hingeing on it in the North East.

"Good communication links are absolutely vital for the economic regeneration of our region."

Worst fears

It is thought the original plans for the upgrade would have created 2,000 jobs and boosted the region's economy by �100m a year.

Ministers are now likely to approve a far smaller plan designed to alleviate key congestion points.

An official announcement is not due for several weeks, but rail operators are already expecting the worst.

GNER spokesman David Mallender said it was still waiting to hear the SRA's plans.

He said: "We are still keen to see the line upgraded so that more trains can run faster."