ARRIVA Trains Northern has scrapped three regional director posts in an effort to streamline operations.

But the company has denied it is in response to criticism levelled by some passenger groups who claim their views are not being heard.

The Northern Echo understands the move will affect Peter Limbert, Arriva's regional train operations director in the North-East, whose job will disappear.

The changes also affect fellow regional directors Peter Cushing and David Judson, who cover the west and south of Arriva's network. All three are being offered alternative management posts within the company.

Arriva Trains Northern said the aim was to simplify lines of command and improve service for customers.

Brian Milnes, chairman of the Tees Valley branch of Transport 2000, said managers attending user groups had often not acted after criticism. The attitude to criticism or complaints had often been "take it or leave it because it is not going to get any better".

The new structure will mean more direct control of the Arriva network from its head office in Sunderland.

Arriva Trains Northern recently agreed an interim extension to its rail franchise with the Strategic Rail Authority taking it up to September next year.