As a resident of rural North Northumberland and your Member of Parliament, I have had countless local people in the Chathill area ask me to help improve the rural train service in our constituency.
Supporting our rural communities and services is one of my top priorities, especially pressing for much-needed rail improvements. Even worse than Trans Pennine Express’s recent poor performance though, for constituents stuck with the ‘Chathill Flyer’ in particular, the two desperately slow trains a day to Newcastle that they face, while five Trans Pennine Express high-speed trains fly through, simply aren’t good enough.
There is clear demand for more and quicker trains calling at Chathill from local people, and this would reduce traffic and parking congestion around Alnmouth and Berwick, where people currently drive, too.
A recent survey carried out to assess demand from the communities of Bamburgh, North Sunderland, Seahouses, Beadnell and Ellingham highlighted considerable demand for more local rail services. I’ve set out the case to the Transport Secretary – and I’ll keep pressing management of our local train operators too – but I need your help to make the strongest case.
To help me set out the benefits of additional calls at Chathill, you – and your friends and neighbours – can sign my petition below.
Thank you for your support in helping me champion this issue.