THE government has dropped plans to slash rail services between Liverpool and the Midlands.
The U-turn follows a protest, sparked by the ECHO and Liverpool MP Louise Ellman, that the proposed changes would undermine 2008 Capital of Culture.
Last month we revealed that under new franchising, rail operators could scrap the two-an-hour express service to Birmingham, leaving only the hourly semi-fast service.
And they would not be obliged to maintain Liverpool South Parkway station.
But after "consultations," rail minister Tom Harries ruled that operators will be required to continue the present Birmingham service "calling at Liverpool South Parkway".
Mrs Ellman, a member of the transport select committee, said: "The possibility that Liverpool could be left isolated at the end of the line during Culture Capital year would have seriously damaged investment, regeneration, and tourism.
"This welcome decision shows how important it is for us and the ECHO to fight for Liverpool. It also shows that we can win."
A CONCERT takes place this weekend to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of musician Alfred E Rodewald who was founder of the Liverpool Orchestral Society - and after whom, of course, the Phil's Rodewald Suite is named....
Read more
"If someone threw a bomb in this room that would wipe out the whole of British musical culture," (semi) joked someone who will remain nameless sitting near me at the Association of British Orchestras conference today....
Read more
BACK to the proverbial grindstone? Fed up with the wild and windy weather? Wondering how to brighten up your 2012? You're not the only one....
Read more
Graham Linehan, Peter Capaldi, James Fleet, Ben Miller, Clive Rowe, Stephen Wight, Marcia Warren, Harry Peacock, little old 'ladies', Sean Foley, Michael Taylor, Scott Penrose and crew....
Read more
