THE announcement of new rail franchises for the region has been widely – though not universally – welcomed.

Politicians and business leaders hailed the announcement as good news, but unions warned of potential cuts to jobs and safety.

Redcar MP Anna Turley said the awarding of the Northern franchise to Arriva, in a move that will see the phasing out of antiquated Pacer trains, was good news for rail users.

She said: "The package of improvements should significantly improve the experience for commuters and enhance transport links which benefit the local economy.

"As anyone who has ever travelled on the Pacer trains will have experienced first-hand, local rail services have suffered from a lack of investment over many years and this upgrade is not before time."

The announcement was also given the thumbs-up by Confederation of Business and Industry director Lucy Thornycroft.

She said: "This is a welcome boost to businesses across the North. The franchises are a crucial part of the infrastructure that is needed to underpin our ambition for the delivery of a Northern Powerhouse.

"Improved trains, more seats and more frequent services are critical to keeping people and businesses moving across the region.”

Speaking on behalf of local enterprise partnership Tees Valley Unlimited, Darlington Borough Council leader Bill Dixon said: "This is a positive step forward for the region and shows that, by working together, we can make a real difference.

“A rail network that is fit for purpose and serves the needs of the region is essential for our economy and quality of life.

“We have worked with ministers, civil servants and industry to ensure that the growth in the Tees Valley that can be unlocked by better transport is realised.

"These changes put us in the driving seat, so to speak, and I am delighted that our combined voices have been heard and real changes will be made.”

Mick Cash, general secretary of rail union RMT, called the announcement a 'profit-driven fit-up'.

He said: "This widely-trailed announcement is no surprise but will still come as a bitter blow to rail users and rail staff across the North.

"Rather than all the garbage about the Northern Powerhouse, this announcement opens the door to years of cuts to staff and safety and to profiteering on an epic scale.

"RMT has waged a public fight against this carve up, engaging the public and local politicians, and that fight goes on."

The announcement was more warmly received by the Campaign for Better Transport. Its chief executive Stephen Joseph said: "We strongly welcome the big upgrades to rail services in the north that these franchises are promising.

"This is long overdue and passengers in the north will be pleased to hear they will no longer have to endure the 30-year-old Pacer trains.

“However, this should only be the start. The north deserves a truly modern, electric rail network, with fast and frequent trains between the cities, London-style smartcards and integration with buses and other transport.

"We will keep up the pressure to make sure these commitments become reality and that the north gets the transport network it deserves.

"Only then will the Government’s ‘Northern Powerhouse’ rhetoric really mean something.”

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Tom Blenkinsop added: “Public transport across Teesside, and in particular the Pacer trains, has been an embarrassment for too long.

"It is vital that we put pressure on Arriva and the Government to ensure that Teesside is high on the priority list when it comes to rolling out the replacement programme.

"I will do anything I can to speed up the process so that we see the back of these outdated Pacer trains once and for all.”