A PASSENGERS' watchdog today said customers were confused by a major reorganisation of rail services which was designed to provide clarity.

But the government's Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) appealed for passengers to be patient until the two new franchises for the north west were created.

The crucial TransPennine Express service from Leeds to Preston through Burnley, Accrington and Blackburn, is still not included in either plan.

It brings in hundreds of business people and commuters to the towns, hourly everyday.

Passengers have been assured the service will not be axed -- but told it could be included in either the new Northern Franchise or TransPennine Express Franchise.

John Moorhouse, chairman of the Rail Passengers' Committee North West said the position on future use of the route was changing all the time and added: "It will cause all sorts of problems. We think the whole thing is like a dog's dinner and we don't think it should be split.

"We believe the route will be part of the TransPennine Franchise. If it became part of the Northern Franchise, we expect it won't make any difference to the quality of service the customers receive."

Paul Latham, public affairs manager at the SRA, said the prospective bidders for the TransPennine Franchise, Connex and First Group/Keolis could include the East Lancashire route if they wanted.

He added: "Customers will get the best possible service from the best company we can select."