It comes as Grand Central continues to await a decision on its proposal to run a service via Scunthorpe, which has been objected to by Network Rail
Grimsby Town Railway Station from earlier this year, as seen from Garden Street level crossing; councillors have renewed calls for a direct rail service between Grimsby and Cleethorpes and London(Image: LDR)
Councillors have unanimously backed a renewed call for the restoration of a direct rail service, linking Grimsby and Cleethorpes to London again. This includes not only seeking the new Prime Minister’s support, but also writing to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
The ORR is deliberating over a proposal by Grand Central, part of Arriva, to run a Cleethorpes to London service via Scunthorpe and Doncaster, objected to by Network Rail. The motion passed at North East Lincolnshire Council‘s recent full council meeting saw an amendment accepted for the local authority to write to ORR in support of Grand Central’s proposed service.
The Grand Central option is in addition to LNER Azuma’s long-held ambitions to extend its Lincoln to London King’s Cross service to Cleethorpes.
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34 years and still waiting
“This is a saga, to put it mildly,” said Conservative group leader Cllr Philip Jackson (Waltham Ward), putting forward the motion for the council to write to Government about the benefits of a direct rail link to the capital. He noted the direct rail service to London ended in 1992 and there has been “extensive lobbying” since for its restoration.
Cllr Jackson said it was “very disappointing” when in March the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander “made it very clear that there was no intention to restore the service any time soon”. The Conservative group leader pointed out, however, new prime minister Andy Burnham’s assertion he is a supporter of northern towns and coastal communities and wants to see growth in every postcode.
He said on that basis it was worth the council renewing its request to Government for the direct rail service’s return. He also noted the LNER option would only require a 40 mile journey extension of one train each way of its existing Lincoln to London service.
Cllr Jackson noted “a variety of reasons” had been cited over the years for this option not proceeding, the latest involving £15-£20m improvements reportedly required to Market Rasen Station. “If that is a problem, just don’t the stop the train at Market Rasen.”
Cleethorpes Railway Station at night(Image: LDR)
Cllr Lyndsey Downes (Independents for North East Lincolnshire Group – Freshney) moved the amendment for the council to also write to the ORR in support of Grand Central’s route application. She explained that she was forwarded correspondence by Arriva to a local resident.
Arriva stated in that it expects a decision on its route application before the end of the year. It added that “the most impactful way” to support its proposal is to write to the ORR.
“I do think it’s not going to see Victoria Street lined with gold,” said Cllr Downes, wanting to temper expectations of the impact a direct rail service may have. She noted Grand Central’s proposal would involve a quarter of an hour wait as trains merged at Doncaster Station. However, she added that given Grand Central is a private-access operator, the service could create “potential for more competitive fares”.
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Grand Central and Network Rail disagree over proposed route via Scunthorpe
Two contract amendment applications made by Grand Central in 2025 to be able to run its proposed Cleethorpes to London King’s Cross service remain pending. In Spring 2026, Network Rail objected to both on multiple grounds.
This includes potential knock-on disruption with proposed joining and decoupling of trains at Doncaster. Detrimental impact on timetable performance at King’s Cross with the need to accommodate another 10-coach train service there has also been raised.
In a response to the ORR, Grand Central has disputed the basis of most concerns raised, or requested greater clarity from Network Rail. It contends the King’s Cross capacity concern can be managed.
Grand Central’s response expressed “a high level of frustration with Network Rail’s conduct” in the application process. Network Rail were contacted for comment opportunity.
The managing director of Arriva’s UK Train division, Amanda Furlong, has previously said: “Arriva wants to make travelling by train as accessible as possible and this proposal will offer a much-needed, direct connection between major Lincolnshire towns and the capital, providing significant connectivity benefits for communities and businesses and driving long-term economic growth for the region.”