One-train town deserves better, passengers say

Passengers who miss their train in a market town face a long wait for the next one – 24 hours to be precise.

Just before 14:00 on weekday afternoons, travellers can leave Brigg, in North Lincolnshire, on the single daily service to Sheffield.

Phillip Hewson is among regular travellers calling for more frequent trains to and from the town. He said: "It's an awful service. It must improve."

Train operator Northern Rail said any decision to increase passenger services would ultimately rest with the government. The Department for Transport (DfT) said the additional cost, at up to £900,000 a year, could not be justified at present.

For a number of years the town had a Saturday-only rail service.

But many residents say the weekday service is far from adequate, with just one train running to Cleethorpes in the morning and returning in the afternoon bound for Sheffield.

It means those who fancy a day out at the seaside would enjoy less than two hours at the beach before having to return.

Hewson is among passengers from the Independent Brigg Line Rail Group, which uses social media to promote rail services in Brigg and nearby Kirton-in-Lindsey.

"There's a clear need for a second daily service," he said. "One where people can go to Cleethorpes or Grimsby and do a bit of shopping in meaningful time, not just look at the sea and get back on the train."

Over the past week, there have been no trains running through Brigg due to engineering work. A replacement bus service has been in operation.

Some argue a more regular rail service would increase footfall to the town, especially on Thursdays, which is market day.

North Lincolnshire Council leader Rob Waltham is backing calls to improve services.

He said: "We've written as a town council just this week to the secretary of state to ask for an afternoon service.

"I grew up in this town, I was a kid who used to get on the train to go to Cleethorpes, so we will continue the fight."

A DfT spokesperson said: "Train services must be matched to passenger demand. Adding more services would cost up to £900,000 a year and require additional taxpayer funding that cannot be justified at this time."

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