BLACKPOOL South MP Gordon Marsden has written to Virgin Trains chief executive Chris Green to express his disappointment at recent service cuts to Blackpool and to seek guarantees on improvements at Preston station.

"I have made clear to Mr Green and Virgin the level of annoyance and disappointment fel in Blackpool at the company's high-handed treatment of the town -- not least after all the hype we have had from Virgin before these services were cut," said Mr Marsden.

"I have also made it clear to them the very minimum I would expect now that local residents and visitors to Blackpool will all have to change at Preston -- and that includes substantial upgrades to interchange facilities at Blackpool station, particularly for elderly or disabled travellers, as well those with young children or heavy luggage.

"I have also stressed to Virgin that they must now make good on their other promises to the people of the north west -- not least in terms of now moving forward their plans for electrification of lines connecting with the West Coast Main Line.

"Virgin have not treated Blackpool well -- I have made clear to them that these improvements are now a crucial test of their reputation and good faith not just for the people of Blackpool but across the north west more generally."