UK Government accused of "rewarding failure" as Lockerbie train operator sees contract extended

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has accused the UK Government of “rewarding failure” following its decision to extend the Avanti West Coast contract for six months.

The Department of Transport has said the firm’s deal – which was due to finish at the end of this month – will now run until October 15.

The move comes despite the rail firm, which runs trains between London and Glasgow and Edinburgh through Lockerbie, has been heavily criticised for its level of cancellations.

The firm also came under fire in over the fact tickets were not made available to purchase until a few days in advance, and then often sold out, making travel planning hugely difficult.

Mr Smyth said yesterday: “This decision by the UK Government is shocking and simply rewards failure.

“Passengers from Lockerbie have been suffering terrible service for years thanks to the failed franchises from Avanti and TransPennine Express and they should have been removed at the end of this month.

“As it is, we will now have another six months of cancellations and delays from Avanti and it is not good enough. It does also raise the fear that the UK Government will also extend the TransPennine Express franchise.”

Mr Smyth added: “Passengers travelling from Lockerbie deserve better. They need local train services that they can rely on but until changes are made, this won’t, and can’t, happen under the companies who have failed so badly.”