1,000 signatures reached
To: Government and train operators
Later trains to Berwick-upon-Tweed
Introduce a later train service to Berwick-upon-Tweed from both Scotland and the south.
Improve the service generally.
At the time this petition was launched the last train back from Edinburgh was 9pm (8pm on a Saturday).
** Update **
August 2024 - TPE are running a late train during the week for the Edinburgh Festival (leaving Edinburgh at 23.27 and arriving in Berwick 00.30).
This is great but we need a later train permanently with Saturday being a particular problem (8pm !!!)
** Update **
24th August 2023 - ** LNER proposed new timetable **
As a result of considerable pressure and opposition, LNER are NOT now going ahead with their controversial timetable changes for next year. 👍
** Update **
In June 2021, LNER launched a consultation on their proposed new timetable for 2022.
There is continued progress on later trains - with, the last train back from Edinburgh, during the week, at 10pm and just after 11pm from Newcastle.
However, more is still needed and the proposals involve a reduction in the frequency of train services to Edinburgh and London from Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The most damning aspect is the planned “services” for and between non principal stations (i.e. Dunbar, Alnmouth and Morpeth) which are wholly inadequate.
** UPDATE **
From the 16th December 2019, there will be a later service from Edinburgh to Berwick at 10.15pm. This marks significant progress and success for the campaign !
However, we need later trains still, from the south and a later service at the weekend too.
So please keep signing the petition and supporting the campaign..
Improve the service generally.
At the time this petition was launched the last train back from Edinburgh was 9pm (8pm on a Saturday).
** Update **
August 2024 - TPE are running a late train during the week for the Edinburgh Festival (leaving Edinburgh at 23.27 and arriving in Berwick 00.30).
This is great but we need a later train permanently with Saturday being a particular problem (8pm !!!)
** Update **
24th August 2023 - ** LNER proposed new timetable **
As a result of considerable pressure and opposition, LNER are NOT now going ahead with their controversial timetable changes for next year. 👍
** Update **
In June 2021, LNER launched a consultation on their proposed new timetable for 2022.
There is continued progress on later trains - with, the last train back from Edinburgh, during the week, at 10pm and just after 11pm from Newcastle.
However, more is still needed and the proposals involve a reduction in the frequency of train services to Edinburgh and London from Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The most damning aspect is the planned “services” for and between non principal stations (i.e. Dunbar, Alnmouth and Morpeth) which are wholly inadequate.
** UPDATE **
From the 16th December 2019, there will be a later service from Edinburgh to Berwick at 10.15pm. This marks significant progress and success for the campaign !
However, we need later trains still, from the south and a later service at the weekend too.
So please keep signing the petition and supporting the campaign..
Why is this important?
Berwick-upon-Tweed is situated almost exactly half way between Edinburgh and Newcastle.
The absence of a later train service causes great inconvenience for Berwick residents, those living in the wider area, commuters and those making day trips to places such as Edinburgh, Newcastle and York, those travelling for business purposes, attending sports events, concerts, personal appointments, visiting family etc etc.
It also has a negative impact on tourism and the local economy. For example, Berwick would be a good option for people to stay who wish to take in the Edinburgh Festival if it was not for the timing of the last train back.
Berwick is a train journey of around 45 minutes to both Edinburgh and Newcastle and should be promoted much more as a “Commuter Town” (with the knock on benefits) but this potential is not realised because of the timings of the last trains.
Berwick is also seeking to get major funding, through the Borderlands Growth Initiative, for a new theatre and conference centre and this needs to be accompanied and supported with later trains to maximise the benefits.
The advantages are significant and wide-ranging from what would seem a relatively simple and achievable measure.
Later trains stopping at Berwick is something that the government should insist on when awarding franchises to the train operators.
The absence of a later train service causes great inconvenience for Berwick residents, those living in the wider area, commuters and those making day trips to places such as Edinburgh, Newcastle and York, those travelling for business purposes, attending sports events, concerts, personal appointments, visiting family etc etc.
It also has a negative impact on tourism and the local economy. For example, Berwick would be a good option for people to stay who wish to take in the Edinburgh Festival if it was not for the timing of the last train back.
Berwick is a train journey of around 45 minutes to both Edinburgh and Newcastle and should be promoted much more as a “Commuter Town” (with the knock on benefits) but this potential is not realised because of the timings of the last trains.
Berwick is also seeking to get major funding, through the Borderlands Growth Initiative, for a new theatre and conference centre and this needs to be accompanied and supported with later trains to maximise the benefits.
The advantages are significant and wide-ranging from what would seem a relatively simple and achievable measure.
Later trains stopping at Berwick is something that the government should insist on when awarding franchises to the train operators.
