During Transport Questions today, Gedling’s Conservative Member of Parliament Tom Randall said “There is a widespread view in Gedling that rail services could be improved. For example, Carlton has recently lost its service to Matlock and many trains pass through Burton Joyce station without stopping. I continue to have discussions with East Midlands Railway about how they might reach the maximum services in the agreement between them and the Department. I welcome the opportunity to meet [the rail minister] to discuss how Gedling’s stations might fulfil their potential."
In reply, the Minister of State for Transport, Wendy Morton, MP, said: “I can see what a hard-working campaigner he is for his local constituents. I can assure him that we are working with the operator to consider what further changes might be possible, subject to passenger demand and the cascade for trains into East Midlands Railway. I would be very happy to meet with [Tom Randall MP] to discuss this in more detail.”
During the Coronavirus pandemic, as a result of lockdowns, East Midlands Railway (EMR) reduced its train services throughout Gedling. Following feedback from residents and community groups, Tom Randall MP and local Councillors met EMR in August last year to discuss their post lockdown plans for increasing services again. Tom has a follow-up meeting scheduled for April between EMR, the Borough Councillors for Trent Valley and local community groups.
Speaking after Transport Questions, Tom said, “Residents across Gedling tell me that they would like more train services at stations in Carlton, Netherfield and Burton Joyce. I have been and will continue to discuss this with EMR and am grateful to the Transport Minister for agreeing to meet with me to discuss this too.
“The Department for Transport have an agreed contract with EMR on the train services we should receive. This is not being fulfilled to its maximum and I hope to help improve that by meeting with the Department for Transport and continuing discussions with East Midlands Rail.”
