Plans for new direct train services to London

Plans to restore direct rail services between northern Lincolnshire and London have been put forward to Network Rail, a train operator has said.

Grand Central said it was seeking permission to run services from Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Habrough and Scunthorpe.

The proposed new stops would connect to existing Grand Central services at Doncaster, the firm said.

If the application was approved by the rail regulator, the new timetable would run from as early as December 2026, it added.

Grand Central said the extended route would have four new return services per day and over 775,000 additional seats annually made available between Cleethorpes, Grimsby and London's Kings Cross.

Paul Hutchings, managing director responsible for Grand Central, said: "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."

Melanie Onn, Labour MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, said there had been a campaign to try and reestablish the direct service for many years.

"This isn't just about attracting future investment into our town, it's about addressing missed economic and social opportunities due to current poor connectivity," she said.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.