Starting next week, Blackpool will see a reduction in direct train services to London, as confirmed by the rail operator Avanti West Coast.

The revised schedule will cut down Avanti’s current four daily trains from Blackpool, which run Monday to Friday, to only one service.

Among the trains being discontinued are the 09:39 service from London to Blackpool North and the 12:52 train from Blackpool North to London. Additionally, Avanti announced plans to increase services from Liverpool and to reintroduce a morning train from Manchester.

Avanti also voiced its dissatisfaction with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the regulatory body overseeing economic and safety matters, noting that these restrictions will significantly affect passengers.

An Avanti West Coast representative stated: “We are let down by the ORR’s decision not to grant access rights for four weekday services that we currently operate, effective December.”

Nonetheless, the operator will enhance its network starting with the December timetable, which will include increased services on the Liverpool line.

Furthermore, Avanti’s route from London to north-west England has received a boost due to the ORR’s decision to reinstate the 07:00 weekday service from Manchester to London.

This adjustment came after a public outcry against the ORR’s previous decision to operate the 07:00 GMT Avanti West Coast train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston without passengers.

The ORR has been contacted for further commentary.