Lack of East Anglian derby trains 'not good enough'

A lack of direct trains on the day of the East Anglian Derby "isn't good enough", Ipswich Town's chief executive has said.

The Canaries are due to host The Blues at Carrow Road on Saturday 11 April, with the mainline out of action all weekend due to engineering works, meaning there is no direct connection between the rivals.

Mark Ashton has complained to rail authorities, telling them: "We cannot work like this - you're planning major rail works without consulting the football club and when the fixtures are set."

A spokesperson for Greater Anglia said: "We are liaising with Ipswich Town Football Club to ensure appropriate alternative travel arrangements are in place for supporters travelling to the fixture."

Buses are due to replace trains between Ipswich and Norwich, as well as Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds on 11 and 12 April.

It is not known whether Greater Anglia will lay on extra buses to accommodate away fans wanting to get to Carrow Road for the Championship clash which kicks of at 12:30 BST.

Speaking to BBC Radio Suffolk, Ashton said he found out about the planned engineering works via social media but Greater Anglia had since been "open to criticism and dialogue" with the club.

Discussions with Norfolk Police were ongoing because he disagreed with their proposals for matchday travel, he added.

"Had we announced say, three weeks ago, what the plans were for travel to the Norwich game, the fans would have been really disappointed," Ashton said.

"Norfolk Constabulary have a job to do from a health and safety perspective, but the plans they sent to us - I responded to with a clear note that said 'for the avoidance of doubt, I do not agree with'."

Ashton, who is also Town's chairman, said he was "pushing back on a number of things to find the most sensible solution that is best for our supporters".

"The club are going to take a considerable cost in part of the solution to this, it's not easy, we are working through it," he added.

"Those fans know me well enough, know I will fight for them and fight for what's right for this football club and we're in the middle of that right now."

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said Network Rail's major engineering works were usually planned many months in advance to allow operators, partners and customers time to prepare.

The plans, once finalised, would be communicated to supporters by both the football club and train operator, it said.

Both Norfolk Police and Network Rail have been approached for comment.

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