Direct trains to London set to return for Blackpool and Preston

Avanti West Coast, which took over the running of the West Coast Main Line from Virgin in 2019, will be restoring services to several destinations from Monday, September 7, as part of changes to its timetable.

The direct services were cancelled when the coronavirus lockdown came into force.

But now the train operating company has deemed it a good time to reintroduce some services as more people go back to work and people start to travel to holiday destinations.

An Avanti West Coast spokesman said: “These additional services will mean more room for social distancing onboard.

“We would like to remind customers to book ahead, reserve their seat and wear a face covering whilst at the station and onboard our services.”

Avanti West Coast said the new timetable, with its 285 services (Monday to Friday), represents just over 90 per cent of the normal pre-COVID levels.

It has also reintroduced its First Class at-seat service on its Pendolino services, while increasing the range of items to purchase from the onboard shop.

Services to Blackpool North from Monday to Friday include:

The 7.15am Birmingham New Street to Blackpool North; the 1.43pm London Euston to Blackpool North (via Birmingham) and the 3.43pm London Euston to Blackpool North (via Birmingham).

Services from Blackpool North from Monday to Friday include: The 9.51am Blackpool North to London Euston (via Birmingham); 5.51pm Blackpool North to London Euston (via Birmingham) and the 7.43pm Blackpool North to Birmingham New Street.

On Saturday, there will be the 7.21am Birmingham New Street to Blackpool North; the 7.43am London Euston to Blackpool North and the 9.43am Blackpool North to Birmingham New Street.

There will also be the 11.50am Blackpool North to London Euston (via Birmingham); the 1.50pm Blackpool North to London Euston (via Birmingham) and the 3.54pm Blackpool North to London Euston (via Birmingham).