When I became the MP for Great Grimsby, I was aware that Martin Vickers MP and Sir Edward Leigh MP had both been campaigning for Grimsby and Cleethorpes to have a direct rail link with King's Cross in London. I believe that it's vitally important that the town has this link.
Local businesses have been the key factor in asking for this link to happen. These businesses feel that not only would a direct rail link to London improve their work and ease of travel, but it would also improve the perception of Grimsby. Being able to travel directly from Grimsby to London would vastly improve the success of our local businesses.
During our meeting with LNER CEO David Horne, we discussed how realistic this link could be. Mr. Horne informed us that the cost of the link would be manageable and that the solution could possibly be extending the route of the already existing Lincoln to King’s Cross service. Businesses in Hull have seen a positive impact with a direct London link already in operation there and business on the South Bank feel that having our own link would be hugely advantageous.
Speaking with LNER, we’re hoping that this service can go into operation by the spring of 2022. We could realistically have an early morning service out of Cleethorpes and Grimsby and back into the town as well, which would significantly boost business and tourism for the area. LNER estimate that the cost of this link would amount to £1 million a year, so business that have been asking for this link would have to make sure that it’s used. Doing so would undoubtedly raise the profile of Grimsby.
