Gillian Merron MP for Lincoln has warmly welcomed today's announcement by Transport Secretary Lord Adonis, that the speedy, direct and regular Lincoln-London service will start running in May 2011.

The Transport Secretary committed to starting the Lincoln - London service in May

2011, as part of a proposed new timetable for the whole of the East Coast Main Line - which will increase services and improve travel times across the country. The announcement also included details of what will be expected of companies bidding to run the line and take over the nationalised franchise - including delivering better station facilities, improving catering and introducing simpler ticket pricing.

Gillian Merron said:

“It is truly great news to know that after overcoming many obstacles over several years, that a direct weekday and weekend Lincoln to London service will definitely be underway next year, as well as the opportunity of more Lincoln -Newark connections.

It has been a long hard campaign which I have been pleased to champion, with the full support of key players in Lincoln which has made all the difference.

Lincoln is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK and is of ever increasing regional importance. The direct rail link will be of real benefit for the city and the local economy. It will significantly speed up connections to and from the capital for Lincoln residents, businesses and commuters.

It is particularly good to see that bidders for the new franchise will have to agree to deliver improved station facilities such as better waiting rooms, shelters, toilets, booking offices and parking facilities, as well as full catering on trains - which I have repeatedly called for over many years."

Lord Adonis, Secretary of State for Transport said:

"This new timetable is great news for people in Lincoln- delivering the city's first all day direct rail service to London for many years. It will strengthen ties between the two cities, bringing new opportunities for business and investment.

I know some people have been worried that these new services were never going to come, but the people of Lincoln have my assurance that they will arrive in May 2011."