Chesterfield passengers demand rethink after company halts key train service

CrossCountry says it has taken the ‘difficult decision’ to stop calling its services between Scotland and the South West at Chesterfield because of the extra time needed to get passengers on and off trains while maintaining social distance guidelines.

However, the decision has been slammed by Chesterfield Borough Council leader Tricia Gilby who said it was ‘unacceptable’.

Coun Gilby has written a letter to the regional director of CrossCountry, making representations in the ‘strongest possible terms’.

Chesterfield residents also condemned the move, which they described as ‘shameful’ and ‘disappointing’ with the town trying to recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.

Christine Gough posted on our Facebook page: “I am really disappointed at this news. We regularly used CrossCountry for holiday travel as we are no longer able to drive long distances.

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“It’s yet another issue for older travellers. How can we keep safe if we have to keep changing trains?”

Geoff Gee said: “I only use the Plymouth service so I'll be looking for CrossCountry to reimburse my Railcard. That train is always busy.”

And ‘Loz’ Alton posted: “So it's ok for Chesterfield townsfolk to travel earlier than necessary to Sheffield, Derby to hang about platforms for CrossCountry trains and pack other operating trains?

“Absolute disregard of protecting lives, more so for disabled passengers. Shameful!”

The decision has also been criticised by bosses at marketing group Destination Chesterfield, who called it a ‘blow for the town’ and said they would be lobbying for it to be reversed.

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A spokesperson for CrossCountry said: “In the latest revision of our timetables we took the difficult decision to remove the calls at Chesterfield in our long distance trains between Scotland and Cornwall.

“The need to allow space for people to socially distance on platforms and getting on and off trains means more time is needed at the busiest stations, and this will only increase as more people resume travelling by train.”

The company has not said if the move will be permanent.

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