BLACKPOOL MP Gordon Marsden is calling for full steam ahead on improvements to Blackpool's rail services after a train he was catching was "significantly delayed".

Mr Marsden said he will also be keeping an eye on First North Western rail services following a meeting with the company's head Dave Kaye.

Mr Marsden said: "It was a useful meeting at which First North Western explained that teething troubles with their new class 175 Alstom trains had been a major factor in poor timekeeping and delays on the Blackpool to Manchester line. They also assured me that they were now over their problems with shortage of trained drivers."

This comes just after rail pressure group RailFuture launched a new strategy for rail services in the North West.

The strategy calls for improvements which include electrification of the lines from Blackpool North and South stations to Manchester, reopening of the Poulton to Fleetwood line, restoration of the former Blackpool Central line and new stations at Wrea Green and Thornton. It also suggests capacity being increased on the South Fylde line by building passing loops into the system.

RailFuture North West chairman Brian Grey said: "Our rail network suffers from decades of under investment. It needs and deserves sufficient money to ensure it plays a much more high profile role, to reduce congestion, improve our health and environment and protect our countryside."

The strategy also lists where it thinks the North West's share of the £60 billion government funding for rail in the ten year transport plan should be spent.

But problems such as lack of seating and litter bins, and poor communication still need addressing, said Mr Marsden. "Too often, no-one is on the concourse to explain problems or delays to passengers, as was the case again when a train I was catching out of Blackpool was significantly delayed." he said.

"I will be monitoring carefully in the next few weeks to see if promised improvements materialise."