New Rail Service: Pontefract to London?

11th January 2008

Jubilant campaigners say Pontefract is on track to become a "boom town" after it was announced that trains to London could steam out of its stations by the end of the year.

Community leaders are urging Network Rail to approve railway company Grand Central's ambitious plans for a direct rail service to the capital, which they hope will create jobs, boost business,the housing market and attract tourists to the growing town.
 
The York-based rail operator is in advanced talks to secure timetable slots which would allow a service to run from Bradford to London - calling at either Pontefract's Tanshelf or Monkhill stations along the way.
 
Ian Yeowart, development director for Grand Central, said he hoped a deal could be done to run at least three trains each way, every day between London and Pontefract by 2009.
 
Ponefract's councillor Jack Kershaw said "Pontefract is on the up and it is absolutely essential we have a rail link to the capital."
 
In February 2006, the Office of Rail Regulators rejected proposals by Grand Central for a train service to link Bradford to London King's Cross, stopping at Pontefract Monkhill. But Pontefract and Castleford MP Yvette Cooper said she would launch a petition urging Network Rail to approve the current plans.