“I’m delighted that Grand Central has recognised the enormous potential of this route”

The words of Easington MP Grahame Morris after train operator Grand Central has launched the first-ever direct services between Seaham and London, in a boost to the town’s regional connectivity.

Chris Brandon, Grand Central Director, Margaret Levitt, mayor of Seaham, and Grahame Morris MP cut the ribbon at Seaham station. | Grand Central.

placeholder image — Chris Brandon, Grand Central Director, Margaret Levitt, mayor of Seaham, and Grahame Morris MP cut the ribbon at Seaham station. | Grand Central.

The official launch took place yesterday (December 15) at a celebratory event at Seaham Station.

The event was attended by Mr Morris as well as other local councillors and business representatives, who heralded the new services as “invaluable” for the local community.

Crowds gathered on the station’s platform and applauded the 10:41am service from Seaham to London into the station, before Grahame Morris MP stepped on board to travel to Parliament, and made a tannoy announcement to celebrate the new services.

MP Grahame Morris on the tannoy of the first-ever direct train from Seaham to London. | Grand Central

Mr Morris said: “It’s fantastic news that Grand Central has launched its new four-a-day stopping service from Seaham to London.

“This service will be invaluable for my constituents, whether travelling for work or leisure, providing direct connections to both York and London.

“The East Durham Coastline has been underused for decades, and I’m delighted that Grand Central has recognised the enormous potential of this route and worked hard to make it a reality.

“This is a major step forward for our constituency’s connectivity and local economy, opening up new opportunities for jobs, tourism, and investment. I will continue to work closely with Grand Central to ensure these services continue well beyond the initial one-year approval period.”

Previously, passengers from Seaham would have had to change services to travel to London, with the journey taking up to four hours. Now, the new direct service will enable passengers to reach London in approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

This new service builds on Grand Central’s proud history of bolstering regional connectivity in the North East, providing direct services from historically under-connected areas like Sunderland, Hartlepool and Eaglescliffe into London.

Chris Brandon, Director at Grand Central, said: “Today is a milestone not just for Grand Central, but for Seaham.

“For the first time in history, residents here have a direct, reliable connection to London — a connection that reflects the town’s growing ambition and needs.

“This launch reflects our mission to continue investing in the North East: through our £300 million order of new trains, and through seeking increased track access rights, which will allow us to provide more services in the region for years to come.

“Our focus remains on delivering the essential services that communities need, at no cost to the taxpayer, while supporting regional economic growth.”

Earlier this year, Arriva, which operates Grand Central, placed an order for £300 million-worth of tri-mode new trains for Grand Central routes following the extension of its track access rights. These trains will be manufactured in the North East at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe facility, and will bolster connectivity by increasing seats by 20%.