Angry rail users are demanding the Government take action over what they say is a failing train service between Nottingham and Skegness.
A petition calling for urgent intervention has been launched by town resident Paul Collins, racking up more than 100 signatures in just 24 hours; It now has attracted almost 300.
Campaigners say the Nottingham to Skegness trains are overcrowded, unreliable and unfit for purpose, and are urging ministers to step in and force East Midlands Railway (EMR) to improve the service.
Passengers claim trains are regularly rammed, with outdated carriages leaving people standing — or shut out altogether. Others have raised concerns over poor cleanliness, frequent cancellations, and a lack of basic facilities.
Problems are said to spiral during the summer, when demand surges and some travellers are unable to book tickets, instead being shunted onto replacement bus services.
Mr Collins, who is also a local councillor, said passengers have been fighting the same battle for years. He wrote to rail minister Lord Hendy last August but said the issues were dismissed as “short term”, despite continuing disruption.
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He also invited EMR bosses to a Skegness Town Council meeting, but claims they failed to attend and have yet to make direct contact.
Comments backing the petition paint a grim picture, with passengers describing journeys spent standing by toilets, no charging points, and overcrowding pushing trains beyond capacity. Others stress the route’s importance for the town’s tourism economy.
While work continues to revamp Skegness railway station, campaigners say new paint and paving mean nothing without serious investment in trains and services.
Responding to the criticism, EMR said it recognised the importance of the route and understood concerns, particularly during busy periods. The operator said 3.5% of services on the line have been cancelled since the December timetable change.
An EMR spokesperson said measures have been introduced including managed queuing, extra staff, passenger assistance points and clearer travel information. The company also pointed to a £60 million train refurbishment programme and its contribution to a £3.3 million upgrade at Skegness station.
