MP welcomes Bittern Line assurances

2.25.49pm GMT Thu 15th Jan 2004

The Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, Norman Lamb, has welcomed an assurance by the preferred bidder for the new Greater Anglia Rail Franchise, National Express, that they propose to retain existing service levels on the Bittern Line from Sheringham to Norwich, and add an extra journey per day.

In his reply to a letter sent by Mr Lamb, National Express Chief Executive Philip White also confirmed that they will consider the issue of the poor state of North Walsham station.

Commenting, Norman Lamb said: "It is good news that National Express plan to preserve current service levels on the Bittern Line, and hopefully augment them. I am also pleased to see that they intend to retain and develop the special promotions and events, such as guided walks from stations along the line, which Anglia Railways introduced.

"However, when I meet with National Express, I will be pressing them on two points in particular. Firstly, they must do something about the state of North Walsham station, which has deteriorated considerably. I hope that they will make the redevelopment of the site a priority. I also hope that National Express will be able to refurbish the older Bittern Line trains, as their internal appearance creates a poor image.

"I am pleased that they have agreed to meet with me, and hope that this can be fixed up as soon as possible."