CONSERVATIVE MPs have written to the Transport Secretary demanding action over poor train services.

Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake says he is “deeply concerned” that passengers using the TransPennine Express between Manchester and Scarborough through his constituency are still experiencing serious delays and cancellations.

Mr Hollinrake and neighbouring Scarborough and Whitby MP, Robert Goodwill, have written to the Secretary of State, Chris Grayling, to urge him to intervene.

They are also calling for a parliamentary debate on what needs to be done to ensure that passengers get the service they are entitled to expect.

Mr Hollinrake said he has already raised the matter with TransPennine Express and was told that significant congestion in Manchester was causing problems to the North Yorkshire service.

He said: “But this is no consolation for my constituents who are experiencing regular delays preventing them from getting to work and to other appointments on time or facing general ongoing inconvenience.”

In a letter to Mr Hollinrake, TransPennine Express said: “Network Rail has recently introduced a new train regulation policy for York station, which has presented further problems and worsened delays. “Network Rail refused to accept any train, travelling east or west, that was running several minutes late in an effort to protect the operation of the East Coast Main Line thanks to the number of late-running LNER services passing through York.”

According to TransPennine Express this policy initially severely affected its operation.

In the first week of the policy, it said it was forced to cancel trains travelling north via Thirsk and Northallerton at York.

The train would then remain at York for hours having been refused permission to continue north by Network Rail.

In one instance, spectators travelling to watch cricket at Scarborough were turned back at Malton.

Mr Hollinrake understands that Network Rail has now relaxed this policy and Scarborough services have been excluded from its severest implementation, but he wants more to be done.

He said: “It is clear that there needs to be a more efficient collaborative approach to delivering services between Network Rail and the train operators.

“The whole situation needs to be urgently reviewed.

“I have received a number of letters from frustrated passengers, who, understandably, are fed up with the very poor service they have had all summer.

“Robert Goodwill and I are determined to do everything we can to bring the relevant parties together to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.”