Bid to Restore Services Awaiting Regulator Approval
Train operator Avanti West Coast has submitted a new bid to restore two weekday services and an additional weekend service on the Blackpool to London route, but the proposal remains stalled as the company awaits confirmation from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The services were originally cut last year, reducing weekday frequency from four to two trains per day.
Avanti had hoped the restored services could begin as early as last week, but without ORR approval, no progress can be made. The delay comes at a time when Blackpool is experiencing significant economic investment, including the £350m Talbot Gateway regeneration project, described as an "economic game changer." The project, located near Blackpool North station, is creating a central business district and civic quarter for over 8,000 workers and students, attracting more corporate and commercial visitors.
Local Frustration Grows
Local rail campaigner Stef M expressed frustration, stating that Avanti had confirmed to him personally that the delay is due to ORR inaction. "Avanti are ready to increase the service but it is the government preventing this from happening. This is just shocking, we need these services restoring," he said.
The service cuts last year sparked anger among local hoteliers and MP Chris Webb, who slammed the decision. ORR explained at the time that Network Rail had advised of serious capacity issues on the southern end of the West Coast Main Line, which has been designated as "congested infrastructure" since 2020.
ORR and Avanti Statements
An ORR spokesman previously stated: "We recognise that passengers will be disappointed that these services will not be in the timetable from December. In every timetable change train operators bid to add or amend services, and we are informed in our decision making by what Network Rail tells us is possible. In this case, Network Rail provided evidence and recommended that ORR decline the applications to secure better reliability on the network as a whole."
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: "We have applied to Network Rail for the access rights to re-instate two weekday Blackpool services that we previously operated and re-introduce a return service on a Saturday. These are still awaiting confirmation from the ORR and we will continue to work with them to understand what needs to be done to bring these important services to the seaside town."
Current Services and Holiday Season
Avanti currently operates a 0940 London Euston to Blackpool North service and a 1252 Blackpool North to London Euston service on weekdays. The hold-up comes as Blackpool's holiday season is about to begin, with extra trains from London being particularly welcome for visitors. The Talbot Gateway project has been hailed as a 'mini-Canary Wharf,' referencing London's major financial district, highlighting the contrast between investment and rail service cuts.
