MIKE Amesbury has branded Northern’s tenure as a ‘laundry list of failure’.

This follows the Government announcing that the troubled rail firm is to be brought under its control from March 1.

The Weaver Vale MP cited a number of issues which have blighted the company during its stint as rail provider in the north, including leaving children stranded at Greenbank station.

And says that whatever is to replace the firm in the future must be ‘up to the task’.

In a statement, he said: “Like the long-suffering commuters in Northwich, I won’t be shedding a tear for the loss of Northern.

“From school children left stranded at Greenbank Station because the trains didn’t have enough carriages, to constant delays, trains not turning up at all, overcrowded carriages, and the company’s failure to deliver on the promised two trains an hour for Mid Cheshire, their tenure here was a laundry list of failure.

“Along with other northern MPs and the region’s two metro mayors, this is something I’ve been pushing for for some time, but this isn’t the end.

“We have to ensure that whatever replaces Northern is up to the task and doesn’t just bring more of the same.

“We also need investment in vital railway infrastructure, and that is something that I’ll be pushing for.”

From March 1, ownership of the Northern rail operations will be transferred to the Department for Transport in an Operator of Last Resort capacity (DOHL).

According to Mr Shapps, the public-sector operator is a company entirely owned by the DfT and is run by ‘experienced railway managers’.

On its website, DOHL said: “Our initial focus will be to ensure a smooth transition, stabilise performance and restore reliability for customers.

“Over the next few weeks, services will continue to run and customers should continue to purchase tickets in the usual way.”

The Government’s decision has also been welcomed by Transport for the North, who provide one voice on transport infrastructure for authorities in the north.

Chief executive Barry White added: “Our hard-pressed passengers have been calling for action for some time.

“Now, at last, we have the chance of a fresh start.

“This new initiative must put passengers first and provide a reliable rail service that rebuilds trust that has been lost.”