HC Deb 04 April 2000 vol 347 cc802-3
10. Mr. Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley)

What measures he can take to increase the number of trains stopping at Euxton railway station. [116151]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Mr. Keith Hill)

Services at Euxton Balshaw Lane railway station are provided under a separate contract between Lancashire county council and First North Western. I understand that two additional services to Preston will call at the station at 11.20 and 13.20 from the beginning of the summer timetable in May this year. The franchising director is considering a bid from Lancashire county council under the rail passenger partnership scheme, which, if approved, would further enhance peak hour services.

Mr. Hoyle

I am pleased to learn that there will be an immediate increase in the number of trains stopping at the station. Is the Minister aware, however, that the first train heading north leaves at 8.15 am, although most commuters need to catch a train at about 7 am? Is he also aware that Euxton is the only railway station in Chorley that is on the west coast main line, and that no direct trains to Glasgow or London stop there? What can he do to provide better services and get people off the roads?

Mr. Hill

My hon. Friend is an indefatigable campaigner for his Chorley constituency. I thought that I was giving him genuinely good news in announcing the extra services, but his appetite for further improvements for his constituents seems to be bottomless. I shall, of course, take account of his demands for further improvements in services to Euxton and Balshaw Lane stations.

Mr. Edward Leigh (Gainsborough)

Before the Minister devotes too many resources to Euxton, will he bear in mind the plight of rail services in north Lincolnshire? Last weekend, I had to spend—

Madam Speaker

Order. This is a specific question.