An MP has raised his concerns about the impact of timetable changes on Berwick Railway Station users in the House of Commons.

John Lamont, Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, highlighted the findings of a survey he conducted during an exchange with Labour’s Keir Mather, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, on June 11.

He stated that 70 per cent of respondents said they were now less likely to use Berwick station as a result of the changes.

Brought in last December, it resulted in a reduction in LNER trains from Berwick-upon-Tweed – with services to London now calling just once every two hours throughout the day.

John Lamont MP speaking in the House of Commons. Picture courtesy of the office of John Lamont MP.

placeholder image — John Lamont MP speaking in the House of Commons. Picture courtesy of the office of John Lamont MP.

As mentioned by Mr Mather, there are more TransPennine Express trains per day between Newcastle and Edinburgh (Berwick is part of this route) and CrossCountry now provides an hourly service.

But Mr Lamont believes Berwick is worse off overall and he asked during the proceedings in the Commons: “Does the minister agree that, if his plan for Great British Railways is to be a success, frequent and reliable services from Berwick-upon-Tweed station to London need to be reinstated?”

Mr Mather said in response: “I know that a small number of direct services have been cut and I appreciate the fact that he has been doing community outreach on this important point.

“I suggest that he shares the results with LNER and Network Rail, which can use his findings to inform future planning, but I am very happy to work with him further on this important issue.”

Speaking afterwards, Mr Lamont said: “The loss of direct trains to London has had a severe impact on commuters and travellers, especially for elderly and disabled passengers.

“Reliable rail services are essential for local residents, businesses and visitors.

“Berwick-upon-Tweed station serves communities on both sides of the border and the reduction in services has caused significant concern and disrupted people’s travel plans.

“I have heard from many people who feel the current timetable makes rail travel less convenient and less accessible.

“I will continue to raise this issue with the UK Labour Government until they take the necessary action to ensure frequent, reliable and accessible rail services for everyone who relies on Berwick station.”