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.

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.”