South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has accused the UK Government of rewarding failure following its decision to extend the Avanti West Coast contract for up to nine years.

After years of poor service, Avanti West Coast’s new contract, which starts on 15 October, has a maximum term of nine years but can be terminated at any point after three years with three months’ notice.

The rail firm, which runs trains between London and Glasgow and Edinburgh including through Lockerbie and Carlisle, has been heavily criticised for its level of cancellations. The firm also came under fire in over the fact tickets were not made available to purchase until a few days in advance, and then often sold out, making travel planning hugely difficult.

Colin Smyth has repeatedly called for Avanti West Coast to be stripped of its franchise.

Colin Smyth said: “This decision by the UK Government is shocking and simply rewards failure.

“Passengers from Lockerbie have been suffering terrible service for years thanks to the failed franchise from Avanti and it should have been removed.

“As it is, we will now potentially face years of cancellations and delays from Transpennine and Avanti and it is not good enough.

“Even when they run on time, the number of services from Lockerbie run by Avanti is utterly woeful and we still have more trains pass through the station that don’t stop at Lockerbie, than do stop.

“Lockerbie is absolutely the forgotten station in the eyes of Avanti and this decision shows that is acceptable to the UK Government.

“Passengers travelling from Lockerbie deserve better.

“They need local train services that they can rely on a far more regular basis, but until changes are made, this won’t, and can’t, happen under a company who has failed so badly.”