CONCERN HAS BEEN RAISED about the future of the proposed direct rail service between Cleethorpes and Grimsby and London's Kings Cross.

Government ministers have announced that the state will take over the running of the East Coast Mainline later in the year when it is expected that National Express, who currently operate the line, will not be able to meet its financial commitments.

While ministers have confirmed that services will continue to run and that all ticket purchases will be honoured, any future developments are now in doubt. National Express had said that it would run a direct return service to London from next year.

Shona said: 'This will be a blow for our part of the country. Direct rail services to the capital city bring economic benefits and after campaigning for so long, it is dispiriting if the plans were scrapped. But we won't give up just yet - I have asked ministers for a meeting as a matter of urgency.'

1 July 2009