Will new Prime Minister back reinstatement of direct rail link from Cleethorpes to London Kings Cross?

                                        

London ahoy? If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Cleethorpes Railway Station 

NEW Prime Minister - new hope for direct rail service from Cleethorpes and Grimsby to London?

The former  leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson (Con, Waltham),  has wasted no time in launching a fresh initiative to get the link restored.

He has submitted a notice of motion for consideration at the next full meeting of  the council which is due to held in Grimsby Town Hall at 7pm on Thursday July 30.

It reads as follows:

"In March, the Transport Secretary confirmed that North East Lincolnshire would not be getting its long-promised through train from London Kings Cross.

"Her decision came despite many years of lobbying by local MPs, business leaders and trade organisations. 

"Restoration of this through service would be a major boost for local business, industry and tourism. 

"We have a new Prime Minister wanting to see northern towns and coastal communities thrive and committed to 'good growth in every postcode'. 

"This council resolves to write to the Prime Minister, copying in the Transport Secretary  and setting out the clear business case for restoring a direct London rail service to North East Lincolnshire and requesting Government intervention to support its delivery."

This fresh move is certain to have the backing of MPs Melanie Onn (Lab, Cleethorpes and Grimsby)  and Martin Vickers (Con, Brigg and Immingham).

The trouble is that despite this week's Cabinet shakeout, Heidi Alexander has retained her position as Transport Secretary and, unless the Prime Minister intervenes, she is unlikely to change her mind.

The council motion is seconded by Cllr Stan Shreeve (Con, Humberston & New Waltham).