James Wild MP has written to Network Rail Chief Executive Jeremy Westlake calling for urgent action to address repeated disruption on the King’s Lynn–London rail route, following ongoing concerns raised by constituents.
The King’s Lynn–King’s Cross line has suffered frequent closures and reduced services due to engineering works, particularly on the Cambridge to Ely section. This has included repeated multi-day and weekend closures, including four consecutive weekends from 25 April and the May bank holiday period.
James previously conducted a constituency-wide rail survey to gain further insight into the impact of disruption on passengers, which led to a meeting with Network Rail and Great Northern where he pressed for fewer closures and improved reliability. Despite this, disruption has continued with no noticeable improvement in services.
That is why, in his letter, James calls for more action to reduce the impact of repeated weekend closures, clearer and earlier information for passengers and businesses, steps to encourage travel outside disruption periods to support the local economy, consideration of discounted fares on affected services, and a full published schedule of planned engineering works for the rest of the year.
James Wild MP said:
“Rail services between Lynn and London are not good enough, especially on this key route in and out of the area, and constituents are rightly frustrated.
“The Cambridge to Ely line was closed this Easter for the fourth year in a row. That is unacceptable, and it damages local businesses and our visitor economy at exactly the time they need passengers travelling.
“I have written to Network Rail's CEO setting out clearly the action I expect to see. Passengers deserve better information, better services, and a clear plan, and I will continue to press for the improvements that North West Norfolk deserves.”
