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Train operator wants to continue 'missing' service

BBC Alnmouth station which has two platforms, one for each direction. In the foreground is a shelter for passengers and further back you can see a footbridge connected by a lift enclosed in a pink tower.BBC
According to the draft rail timetable for December 2025, Alnmouth will lose one of its busiest commuter services

A train operator says it wants to continue operating a busy East Coast Main Line commuter service despite its omission from a new draft timetable.

The published changes, due to come into operation in December 2025, removed the 08:10 train from Alnmouth to Newcastle, a move criticised by the South East Northumberland Rail User Group (SENRUG).

But CrossCountry says the timetable remains "subject to change".

A spokesperson said: "It is our intention for our morning Alnmouth to Newcastle service, currently departing at 08:10, to continue from December 2025 onwards."

The service has been described by Dennis Fancett, chair of SENRUG, as "vital for commuters and those going to college".

Mark Church Mark Church is standing in his garden. He is in his 40s and wearing a blue jumper. Behind him is a hedge and some miniature football goalposts Mark Church
Lawyer Mark Church uses the 08:10 regularly

Shipping lawyer Mark Church, who uses the 08:10 several times a week, said: "The train has always been incredibly busy; up to 100 people get on at Alnmouth every day.

"It was just nonsensical for that train to be withdrawn, so it looks like common sense has prevailed in that CrossCountry seem keen to continue running it.

"The sooner it's resolved the better because if you're going to college in Newcastle next year you want to know if you're going to be able to get there."

PA Media A CrossCountry train on tracks surrounded by trains. Just the engine and the first carriage are visible PA Media
CrossCountry said it intends to continue operating the service despite what the draft 2025 timetable indicates

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "The published December 2025 timetables are draft and we work collaboratively with all train operators and the wider rail industry to ensure timetable changes, which take place twice a year, provide the best and most reliable possible service for passengers.

"In this instance, Network Rail will work with CrossCountry so the morning Alnmouth to Newcastle service continues from December 2025."

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