Capital connection again for Blackpool

THE first direct train from Blackpool North to London Euston arrives in the capital city this morning.

The 0525 left the station on Monday morning, the result of a long-running camapign by business and tourism chiefs from the seaside resort for the restoration of the service which was axed in 2003.

The Blackpool North service runs Monday to Friday and calls at Kirkham & Wesham, Poulton le Flyde, Preston, Wigan North Western, Warrington Bank Quay, Crewe and Nuneaton before arriving in London at 08:34.  The return service from London Euston departs at 16:33 and arrives back in Blackpool at 19:31.

Gary Iddon, Virgin Trains’ general manager for Anglo-Scottish services said: “The first train takes us into a new era, re-establishing a direct rail link to the capital and fulfilling a long-held ambition of Blackpool’s residents. It hasn’t been an easy journey getting here.

“We’ve seen some setbacks along the way, and had to work really hard with Network Rail to identify slots we can use on the West Coast Main Line – Europe’s busiest mixed-traffic rail route.

“We are plugging Blackpool directly into one of the world’s strongest economic powerhouses.”