Leeds Council Leader calls for more information about train disruption

There are calls for rail passengers in Leeds to be told exactly how rail bosses failed to prevent WEEKS of severe disruption.

MPs have been shown leaks that reveal ministers and officials knew about fears of a rail chaos - at least 2 years ago.

Leader of Leeds City Council Judith Blake - who's leading a review into it - says it's alarming

"We would have taken a decision collectively to delay the implementation,

"I cannot at all, understand why the implementation of the timetable went out when it's becoming absolutely crystal clear - MANY people knew there were real serious problems with it and serious risks."

She says, after 4 weeks, passengers have had enough

“The rail passengers across the North who have suffered cancellations and delays will rightly expect answers as to why the Department for Transport appeared to know about this two years ago yet failed to

act to prevent the chaos seen in recent weeks.

“The emails paint a very worrying picture of how Whitehall officials view rail in the north and there are serious questions about who knew what when and how the decisions which led to the current disruption were taken.

“Although the review I am leading is still in its early stages, it is already clear that any recommendations will need to ensure there is a strong democratic and passenger voice when such decisions are taken in future.

“I am also seeking reassurance from Northern and Transport for the North that the needs of customers will be paramount as they plan the resumption of the full timetable next month.”

The Department for Transport say the emails relate to the wider design of the Northern franchise