A TRAIN company is “consolidating” its services amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Grand Central, whose service from Sunderland to London passed through Hartlepool, said it is “committed to maintaining a robust and reliable train service” while “adapting to the impacts” of coronavirus and government advice.

The company will offer refunds on all advance purchase tickets bought before Monday, March 23, for travel after the date, without an administration charge.

The refund policy comes into force in line with other UK rail operators.

On its website, it said: “Like many industries across the UK, we are looking at ways to offer the best service to our customers, taking into account that some of our staff and our suppliers’ staff may not be available for work. This is to ensure we remain effective in our day-to-day operations.

“To achieve this we are consolidating our services, which will mean the temporary cancellation of selected trains on our North East and West Riding Routes.”