Rail bosses have defended a major train route after it was labelled a ‘third world cattle track’ by an MP.

Richard Tice (Reform UK) said he was ‘concerned’ about the lack of carriages on the Nottingham to Skegness route – and called on East Midlands Railway (EMR) to improve the service.

Mr Tice, MP for Boston and Skegness, criticised the rail firm, saying it keeps ‘promising to put on extra carriages’ but hasn‘t yet done so.

But EMR chiefs have defended the service and said they are listening to people’s concerns.

An East Midlands Railway spokesperson said: “We recognise how important the Nottingham to Skegness route is for local communities and visitors, and we understand concerns, particularly during busy periods.

“We continue to monitor performance and demand closely and plan our timetable to make the best possible use of the fleet available, running as many services and as much capacity as we can.

“We have introduced a range of measures to improve the overall journey experience, including managed queuing at Nottingham and Skegness, passenger assistance meet-and-greet points, and additional staff to support customers.

“There has also been a strong focus on supporting vulnerable passengers, improving accessibility, and providing clearer information before and during travel across digital and non-digital channels.

“We are also investing for the longer term, with a £60 million programme to refurbish our regional trains – delivering upgraded interiors, improved seating, charging points and modern passenger information systems – as well as contributing to the £3.3 million upgrade work at Skegness station.”

But the Boston and Skegness MP remains unconvinced and said that EMR’s response was ‘not good enough’.

Mr Tice added: “I’m very concerned about the lack of carriages and the state of the carriages on the Grantham to Skegness route and I’m in discussions on that.

“Numerous complaints are being forthcoming my way and in other directions.”

Mr Tice said he was concerned that the Government can legally end EMR‘s current contract early on October 18 this year – meaning that services would automatically transfer from the private operator to public ownership under DfT (Department for Transport) Operator Limited.

He added: “So, my concern is there’s no incentive for EMR to spend any more, to do anything to be helpful.

“What they’re going to do is try and save every penny they can and that makes no incentive for them to put extra carriages on.”

Mr Tice said he would be raising the issue with the transport secretary.

He added: “They keep promising to put on extra carriages and they never do – and it’s just not good enough.”

The MP, who is also deputy leader of Reform UK, went on to explain what he’d like to see from the rail company.

He said: “Either a guaranteed commitment to put on three of four carriages on every single train over the summer period, particularly the six week holiday period – or, they’ll need to be a dedicated additional non-stop coach service between the two.

“Because it’s just not acceptable for people to be either not able to get on to a two carriage or in conditions are are more like a third world cattle track type of class as opposed to a supposedly sophisticated economy with a comprehensive rail network.”

A petition was recently launched – with campaigners calling on the Government to intervene and ensure that EMR improves the service.

A spokesperson for the DfT said that the issue was ‘an operational matter for East Midlands Railway’ and declined to comment further.

By Oliver Castle (Local Democracy Reporter)