Local MP Marcus Jones has met with the Transport Secretary, Justine Greening MP, to highlight the case for the town to have improved fast off-peak train services on the West Coast Main Line.  

The MP for Nuneaton who has held a keen interest in the provision and efficiency of rail services offered to people living in the town believes that the loss of fast off-peak services in 2008 has adversely affected life for Nuneaton travellers and also had a detrimental impact on the progress of Nuneaton’s economic regeneration.

The meeting with the Secretary of State is yet another piece in a jigsaw which has seen the MP bring together local stakeholders including local councils, businesses and the local rail users group in a bid to influence the bidders for the prestigious West Coast Mainline Franchise towards providing more fast stopping trains at Nuneaton.

Under the new WCML franchise arrangements train operators will have more ability to create additional stops at stations like Nuneaton, although initially any progress will be dependent on timetabling decisions made by the Department for Transport.

At this latest meeting Marcus was able to put a strong case, highlighting the need for Nuneaton to have improved fast off-peak rail services.

Commenting about the meeting, Marcus said: “I was pleased to be able to sit down with Justine to discuss this important issue affecting our town. Since 2008, when services were taken away under the then Labour Government, Nuneaton people have been greatly disadvantaged.

“I took the opportunity to urge the Transport Secretary that the Government could by looking carefully at the initial timetable for the new franchise, really give Nuneaton a boost.

He added: “We should not underestimate the impact the loss of a fast off-peak service has on efforts to improve the economic development potential of Nuneaton. This is an issue I will continue to raise as an MP as I believe it is of fundamental importance that our town has far improved train services than we currently do.”