Anger as rail lines to be closed at same time

Published on 25/11/2004 12:34

PASSENGER watchdogs reacted angrily today to news that the two main routes between Scotland and England will be closed at the same time for three weekends.

The east coast main line, which links Edinburgh and London, and the west coast main line are due to be closed for upgrading work on the first three weekends in March.

Passenger watchdogs said they had been assured the two lines would not be shut simultaneously.

Network Rail said it was considering shutting the east coast line between Newcastle and Darlington over the three weekends, coinciding with previously announced plans to close the west coast line between Glasgow and Preston every weekend from next month until June.

Edinburgh City Council transport leader Andrew Burns said: "It’s not in the best interests of passengers to have both lines closed at the same time. It gives very few alternatives to tourists and general travellers."

James King, of the Rail Passengers Committee Scotland, said:

"It would leave passengers with little alternative but overcrowded roads and longer journey times."