A LABOUR Middlesbrough MP has called for the train station in the town to get an upgrade.

Andy McDonald, Middlesbrough MP said: “Presently, all our rail and bus transport systems are extremely quiet and that is obviously as it should be as we look to socially distance and curb infection rates.

“However, there will come a time when we need to think about our future transport needs as we break free of this dreadful pandemic.

“We have been repeatedly promised investment by Government but it is very slow in coming so that is why today I have written to the Secretary of State for Transport to press the case for upgrading works at Middlesbrough Station so that the full London service can be started at the earliest opportunity.

“This is something I have been calling for, pre Covid-19, but now more than ever, improving our transport infrastructure is going to be critical to our economic recovery."

In the letter Mr McDonald said: "Turning our attention to a time when we break free of the grip of the pandemic, and when there is a return to and uplift in the demand for public transport, I write to address the issue of the commencement of the Middlesbrough to Kings Cross LNER rail service.

"As you know, or your civil servants will tell you, I have campaigned for the introduction of such service ever since I was elected."