Train services to Fenland village disrupted for up to two months

Village train travellers are facing major disruption after a rail operator announced it was cutting the service until early September.

The move by CrossCountry Trains was initially flagged up by a concerned Manea resident who reported a drop in the number of trains stopping at the village station.

Posting on the village Facebook page he said trains had failed to stop at their usual times on Wednesday (8).

In a statement the rail operator explained the cut in service was necessary to ensure extra time at more heavily used stations.

The statement explained: "Until at least Friday September 4 we are running a special timetable to keep services running throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

"Please continue to follow the Government’s guidelines and only travel by train if is necessary to do so.

"CrossCountry are operating many longer trains to provide up to twice the normal capacity and as the numbers travelling increases more time needs to be allowed at stations for people to board and alight.

"To achieve this while also maintaining the national railway timetable, a small number of stations have seen their CrossCountry services reduced or withdrawn to allow additional time at the more heavily used stations. Trains continue to operate throughout the day on most routes at a reduced frequency and in some cases with a revised calling pattern."

Passengers are advised to check the timetable before travelling.