MP hits out at timing of rail line closure
CLEETHORPES MP Shona McIsaac has criticised the “thoughtless” planning that will see rail services to the resort disrupted throughout the summer.
As reported, engineering works mean a replacement bus service will run between Doncaster and Cleethorpes from Monday until September 6.
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Cleethorpes MP Shona McIsaac.
Part of the route between Doncaster and Scunthorpe is being rebuilt, resulting in the 11-week closure.
Ms McIsaac held a debate at Westminster yesterday to raise her concerns with the Government.
“The engineering work is at Thorne, near Doncaster, and because of that they’re closing the line down,” she told the Telegraph.
“This is through the school holidays and, as Cleethorpes relies on people coming into the resort by a number of means – and an important one of them is by train – I’ve got concerns about it, particularly as there’s not engineering work at our end of the line.
“I think, given the current economic climate, the time of year and the need for visitors to come into Cleethorpes, it’s really bad news.”
Ms McIsaac said the planning was “thoughtless” and questioned why the work could not be scheduled for a time of year when the resort is less busy.
“It's not just the tourists – it’s people getting to work and accessing the East Coast mainline,” she said.
“There is a bus replacement, but it’s not wholly acceptable.”
She also warned there will be further engineering work in November at Grimsby and questioned why it could not be carried out at the same time.
The MP also spoke about the need for a direct train service to London.
She said: “To support companies in the area, we need to make sure that rail services are much improved – in keeping with our modern industry.”












8 Comments
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by Pensioner, Immingham
Thursday, June 18 2009, 3:03PM
“Can some one please define tourism in relation to this town on the side of a muddy estuary called Cleethorpes? Stood in the "tide" you cant see your toes when the water is up to your ankles!
And even Mr Shaw does his engineering work in the winter on his little railway.”
by Stroker, Scumsville
Thursday, June 18 2009, 7:54AM
“I saw her on The breakfast news this morning bleating on about the resort in a Monotonic script reading exercise, possibly to an audience of about 5 MP's who were struggling to stay awake...just doing her duty !!”
by steven, Grimsby
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 7:37PM
“nice to see she is on the button. Will she have to taxi from Doncaster to Cleethorpes and claim expenses. Can't see her on the bus with the other people. After all she is a socialist!”
by GrimPol, Grimsby
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 3:42PM
“My son uses this line daily (Works in Sheffield)He knew it was to be a 12 week shutdown back in Feb but only to the nearest week, and now firm date. To the daily commuter, timing is not an issue, but the length is. But it has to be done.
From the resorts point, a mega loss. Ms Issacs could have/should have spoken to NetworkR months ago, but it makes no headlines its too quiet ! Now her name is in LIGHTS and its TOPICAL ! Just what you need with elections coming up and the party rock bottom. Oh, and Cleethorpes? What does she care, being elected and in a job is the main thing, isn't it?
GrimPol”
by M, Cleethorpes
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 2:42PM
“There is never a right time to do engineering works. They just need to be done and as Network Rail have already stated they have chosen summer time to do it as there are less freight movements to the power stations.
Hopefully when the work is done it should mean shorter journey times due to the speed restrictions being lifted on that stretch of track.”