TRAIN passengers hit by cutbacks at four stations due to 'leaves on the line' have received a Government vow that a full timetable will return next month.

First North Western, which operates localised services in the region, reduced the number of trains on the Blackpool to Colne route stopping at Pleasington, Cherry Tree, Huncoat and Hapton in its autumn timetable.

The firm said the East Lancashire line was a blackspot for "leaf-fall" - meaning tracks get slippery due to leaves and water making a mulch.

And by cutting the number of stops, it claimed it is was more likely to meet its timetable.

The issue was raised by Pendle peer Lord Greaves in the House of Lords as Lord Davies, the Government spokesman for transport, took questions. He said he was concerned the move broke First North Western's franchise agreement, which runs out on December 11.

Lord Davies replied: "First North Western are operating a reduced service from some stations on the Colne-Preston line in order to combat the performance problems caused by leaf-fall.

"The changes have been approved by the Strategic Rail Authority and exemptions from the Passenger Service Requirement granted, as allowed by the franchise agreement. The stops will be reintroduced from December 12."

The date is also when SercoNed Railways takes over the Northern franchise, a merger of the North West, North East and part of the Transpennine Express franchises.

It will mean all East Lancashire's rail services operated by one firm - a decision not been welcomed by rail watchdogs.