The loathed Avanti West Coast service has finally restored its timetable of trains between Manchester and London, four months after it temporarily slashed services and suspended ticket sales.
The troubled train line said that it was suffering with ‘severe staff shortages’ after many of its drivers refused to work overtime – something it had previously relied on to keep services running smoothly.
Passengers this week have been facing frequent cancellations and delays, sometimes mere minutes before scheduled departure times.
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Many will have expected disruption with the extremely cold weather and the ongoing strike action this week, but Avanti has been telling disgruntled passengers that the issue is staff shortages – again.
Those trying to travel to and from the capital have reported fellow passengers having to sit on the floor, multiple services in a row being cancelled, and huge delays to trains.
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Credit: Avanti West Coast
The unreliable service has been a sticking point for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who has been publicly demanding that Avanti has its contract stripped. He has said it’s ‘unbelievable how they treat people paying sky-high prices’.
And it appears the Government is keeping a close eye on the company now.
At Prime Minster’s Questions on Wednesday, Rishi Sunak said: “Our priority immediately is to support the restoration of services before then making any long-term decisions on the operation of the West Coast franchise, but we will be closely monitoring Avanti’s rollout of its recovery plan and holding them to account for delivering for passengers.”
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A spokesperson for Avanti told the Commons’ Transport Committee that they accept the company has ‘damaged trust in the travelling public’.
Richard Scott, director of corporate affairs at the West Coast Partnership (of which Avanti West Coast is part of) said: “The service we have provided over recent months has not been good enough.
“We apologise, I apologise unreservedly for that. We have been working extremely hard over the last few months to get a new timetable in place.
“I accept fully we have damaged trust in the travelling public over coming months and it will take time to get back. But the timetable, new rosters, new diagrams that are in place I believe will allow us to do that.”
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Since Avanti’s new timetable was introduced on 12 December,
Stockport Labour member Navendu Mishra said, with no small trace of irony: “I spoke in the West Coast Main Line debate today and called on the Government to strip @AvantiWestCoast of the franchise.
“Now at Euston station to travel home to Stockport. Of course the next 7 Avanti services from Euston to Stockport are either delayed or entirely cancelled.”
I spoke in the West Coast Main Line debate today and called on the Government to strip @AvantiWestCoast of the franchise.
Now at Euston station to travel home to Stockport. Of course the next 7 Avanti services from Euston to Stockport are either delayed or entirely cancelled.🤯
On the very first day of the new timetable, several people found themselves facing departures boards full of delays and cancellations.
One person said: “First weekday operation of the new rail timetable. As ever a complete disaster trying to travel on @AvantiWestCoast between London and Manchester… when will it be a pleasure and not a trauma to make this journey again?”
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First weekday operation of the new rail timetable. As ever a complete disaster trying to travel on @AvantiWestCoast between London and Manchester… when will it be a pleasure and not a trauma to make this journey again? pic.twitter.com/Xi9mW45WzY
Several other people have publicly slammed their journeys with Avanti this week, with one person saying it’s time to ‘consign this wretched franchise to the dustbin of history’.
Ah. @AvantiWestCoast have just cancelled my train. And most trains to MCR. The old magic lingers a little longer…
When's your contract up @AvantiWestCoast literally a shocker of a service today 3 trains cancelled. Passengers sitting on the floor. Its time you give up your monopoly on the railway. @Mark_J_Harper
The @AvantiWestCoast shambles continues….train delayed waiting for crew, ah sod it we can’t bothered so let’s just cancel it…. Come on @AndyBurnhamGM – the time has come to consign this wretched franchise to the dustbin of history… cc @helenpidd 😎
Earlier this month, back when Avanti was running its reduced timetable, passengers said they were left ‘stranded’ when the last two trains to Manchester were cancelled.
In that instance, Avanti offered an ‘alternative travel option’, which was to get the train to Birmingham and then sit on a coach to Manchester – 88 miles away.
We haven't left people stranded Aaron, we have provided an alternative travel option for you. The last two are cancelled due to staff shortages. – Pete
Avanti's um, stellar customer service, when they cancel the last two trains out of LDN and the only alternative is a train and then a bus going another SEVENTY MILES, which will *at least* double the journey time and get everyone home in the middle of the night. Come on, mannnn https://t.co/LTMk5J1V4N
Other people reported having to stand in the toilets because there was no room on board packed services after multiple services were cancelled.
Absolute scenes at Euston – sold out train cancelled, all crammed on another sold out train. I am literally standing in the toilet. Open first class for gods sake, @AvantiWestCoast are the worst of the worst. Shut the fuckers down! pic.twitter.com/hqeVVzmS3w
#AvantiWestCoast trains are a f’kn shambles. Loads of us stranded all day trying to get from Mcr Piccadilly to Euston & now from Euston to Piccadilly. Major delays, cancelled trains, rammed phone lines, extra money payed for taxis & buses & we pay full whack for this shit service pic.twitter.com/yZA0Pt7AMb
When announcing the new timetable, Barry Milsom, Executive Director of Operations and Safety at Avanti West Coast, said: “We know in recent months our customers have not been getting the service they deserve.
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“We are sorry for the enormous amount of frustration and inconvenience this has caused and are grateful for the patience our passengers have shown.
“Over the last few months, our sole focus has been to do everything we can to return to a more resilient operation which delivers more services for our customers and communities.
“This timetable is based on a robust and sustainable roster for our staff, achieved by working with our people and the unions. It provides a better working pattern for staff and our customers will benefit from more trains, greater connectivity and tickets on sale much earlier. Crucially, the new timetable is not dependent on overtime.”
Featured image: Avanti West Coast
News
Iconic Manchester nightclub Panacea reopens as IKaro, a new grill and champagne bar
The Manc
This week, an iconic Manchester venue will reopen its doors with a brand new concept.
The legendary city centre nightclub known as Panacea is about to reopen as IKaro, a new grill and champagne bar on John Dalton Street.
The move follows an application for planning permission earlier this year and sees a new team into the former popular celebrity hotspot Panacea, which has been closed since 2015.
At the restaurant, diners will find two menus focusing on two different elements, fire and ice. On the first, you’ll find Grilled Lobster Tails, Japanese A5 Wagyu Ribeye, and Australian Wagyu Tomahawk.
On the second an array of Sushi and Sashimi such as Torched Hand Dived Scallops and Bluefin Tuna Otoro.
Behind the menus are talented sushi chef, Lattawan Buchanan, who’s spent time at popular restaurants Ivy Asia and former ‘Masterchef: The Professionals’ finalist, Exose Grant.
Head Chef Exose Grant, said, “Our menu showcases the best of the land and sea. We’ll be using fresh, quality produce in the best possible way. Innovative and impeccably presented dishes that don’t compromise on flavour.”
Behind the bar, you’ll find countless varieties of Champagne including a frequently changing sommelier’s selection of rare bottles which, in keeping with the venue’s reputation as a go-to late-night haunt, will be served up until doors close at 2.30am.
Head of bars, Sean McGuirk, said: “Alongside our extensive ‘by the bottle’ offering, you can expect elevated classic cocktails, as well as some uniquely extravagant options.
“Our team will play with flavours and theatrics to deliver an experience like no other.”
IKaro will mark its launch with a VIP event on Saturday 23 September before doors open to the public on Wednesday 27 September.
Company director, Zack Issak, said, “It’s long overdue that this popular space opened its doors once more and we’re thrilled to be able to do that.
“IKaro will create an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Guests will enjoy a choice of the world’s finest Champagnes, paired with the best Wagyu steaks and seafood on the market.”
Bookings for the intimate, 84-cover restaurant, are open now and can be made online at www.ikaro.co.uk for Wednesday 27 September onwards.
Featured image – The Manc Group
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Trafford dog owner jailed after six-year-old girl was ‘savaged’ during attack
Emily Sergeant
A man from Trafford whose pack of dogs were described as having “savaged” a six-year-old girl during an attack has been handed jailed time.
Bernard Valentine has also been banned from owning dogs for life.
The court heard how the attack took place as the youngster walked to her friend’s house.
As she walked past the address Valentine was staying at in his camper van outside, she was set upon by a pack of six dogs that were being kept both in the back garden and in the defendant’s camper van, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Ackers Lane in Carrington, where the attack took place earlier this year / Credit: Google Maps
The little girl’s older sister then bravely tried to wrestle the dogs off her as she was being attacked on the pavement.
It was only when her mother picked her up that the dogs ran off.
The little girl sadly sustained “serious injuries” to her face, scalp, hand, abdomen, arms, legs, back, and shoulder during the attack – which she has since had surgery for.
Following the traumatic incident, Valentine was arrested on Tuesday 28 March when his van was traced to Fallowfield in south Manchester, and the dogs were subsequently seized, before he was also arrested in connection with another incident back in December 2022 when a man was walking his pet Dalmatian.
Both the man and Dalmatian were injured after being set upon by the dogs, and a member of the public was said to have had to intervene.
Following his trial last week, Valentine was handed a 49-month prison sentence.
He was also banned from owning dogs for life, and has a 10-year restraining order after pleading guilty to eight charges of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, and possession of Class B drugs.
Speaking following the trial, DC Goodhand, of Trafford CID, thanked the victims for supporting the prosecution, adding: “Whilst nothing can take these experiences away from them, we hope that today’s sentence goes some way to allowing them to heal and move on.”
DC Goodhand also urged anyone with information relating to dangerous animals to report this to the police, so that “appropriate action can be taken”.
Daisy Jackson -
16th December 2022 
