A RAIL watchdog is to consult passengers over controversial plans to cut a number of train services.

The direct Tees-Tyne rail link between Saltburn, in east Cleveland, and Newcastle, using the East Coast Main Line, is being reduced from 19 services a day to only four next month.

The change, brought in by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), will mean many travellers using the route will now have to change at Darlington.

Rail watchdog the North-East Rail Passengers' Committee (RPC) has strongly criticised the lack of notice over the impending cuts, and has announced plans to carry out its own consultation with passengers, at Darlington railway station, on Thursday, April 22, to assess their impact.

The SRA believes the cuts will release capacity on the East Coast Main Line and increase the performance of long-distance operators such as Virgin and GNER, but this has been dismissed by opponents.

Christine Knights, chairwoman of the North-East RPC, said: "It is imperative that those who make such important decisions take into account the views of passengers using these services.

"The RPC has put forward an alternative solution to the capacity problems on the East Coast Main Line, which includes maintaining the local through-service and re-routing some Virgin Cross Country or Trans-Pennine services.

"The proposal could easily be implemented and has the full support of the North East Assembly and all Tees Valley councils and MPs."

The Tees Valley Partnership, which represents local authorities in the area, has said the SRA failed to follow proper consultation procedures and is seeking legal advice over the move.