Network Rail has received notification from Grand Central of their intentions to serve further destinations across Lincolnshire.
As things stand, Grand Central is planning to submit its application to the ORR, which will need their approval before any of Grand Central trains can operate on proposed direct services from London to Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Habrough, and Scunthorpe.
The proposal, if approved, will see this area of eastern England make better use of its current capacity, which is presently under-served.
Along with bringing faster direct services to and from the capital, the plan has huge potential to provide extra services and capacity between the local stations in the area, with over 775,000 extra seats being available on these new services annually between Kings Cross and Cleethorpes.
The trains will connect with existing Grand Central services to and from London at Doncaster.
Grand Central is hopeful that if the ORR approves their application, they will be able to start running services in late 2026.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to reconnect Cleethorpes to London with new direct services, the first of their kind since 1992. If approved, these services will play a pivotal role in driving regional growth by linking underserved communities to key commercial opportunities, benefiting both local businesses and passengers.”
Paul Hutchings, Managing Director responsible for Grand Central
In recent years, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) have also attempted to reinstate services between London and Cleethorpes, which saw a test service arrive at Cleethorpes in 2023 though plans to introduce a regular service seem to have come to nothing.
Responses
A little conflicting puzzle with “bringing faster direct services to and from the capital” with “The trains will connect with existing Grand Central services to and from London at Doncaster.”
Does this mean that travellers will have to change trains at Doncaster with no actual through trains?
Agreed, the press release is very confused. I’m wondering if it is intended to join/split from Bradford services at Doncaster, which would tie in with “make better use of capacity” if they’re running 10-car trains rather than 5- between Doncaster and Kings Cross, and would make it slightly more feasible than trying to squeeze more trains down the ECML, but does introduce its own complications at Doncaster.
It will be great to see a service to and from London again! I hope it comes to fruition 👍