A rail firm has said it ‘has no plans’ to reintroduce a direct train to Matlock from Carlton Station – despite pleas from passengers.
Many rail users got in touch with Gedling Eye last week after we revealed the train to the Peak District would be removed in May following the introduction of a new timetable by East Midlands Railway.
A direct route to Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent would be taking its place. Those wanting to go to Matlock would now have to change at Nottingham.
Readers got in touch saying the route could have been better advertised or asked if it could be reintroduced during the school holidays.
Netherfield resident Richard West said: “I want this service to stay in place. Now I know about it I would definitely use it. It’s probably not that well used because nobody knew about.
Laura Thomas, from Carlton, emailed. She wrote: “Is there any way East Midlands Railway could reintroduce this over the summer like the Skegness service. It’s great for getting the kids out into Derbyshire and places like Gulliver’s Kingdom.
“I don’t have a car so now this service is being removed it limits my options around what can be done in the school holidays.”
Ben Hope, from Gedling, said: “I really don’t understand who from round here wants to go to Crewe over Matlock. The story you did has made people aware of the service – and now they want to use it. I hope they have a rething before removing it as it could be quite lucrative now that people are aware.
Gedling Eye contacted East Midlands Railways and put forward requests from our readers.
They said they have ‘no plans to operate direct summer services or reinstate the direct link at this time’.
They said there will be consultations into timetable changes in the coming years and residents can feed into that process.
The spokesman said: “Overall, our May timetable change provides more seats, quicker journeys and a simpler and more resilient timetable for passengers.
“This includes the introduction of an additional train every hour between Nottingham and Derby as well as additional weekday evening services between Nottingham, Newark Castle and Lincoln.
“By extending our services from Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent through to Nottingham and Newark Castle we are introducing new direct journey opportunities between some of the largest towns and cities on our network.
“Passengers travelling to Matlock from stations east of Nottingham will need to change services at Nottingham.”
Now train goes to Crewe I don’t have to wait on cold derby station for 50 minutes.