Bradford South MP Judith Cummins has described the decision to shut the East Coast Main Line on the August bank holiday weekend as “baffling” during a debate in Parliament.

She said: “The decision taken to shut the entire East Coast Main Line on this huge weekend of sporting and cultural activities is ridiculous and needs to urgently be reconsidered.

"Many people spent their hard-earned money on tickets to bank holiday weekend activities months ago, but now at such short notice they’re having to completely rearrange their travel plans. This is quite simply not acceptable.

This is an additional blow for businesses in the region and beyond.”

In Parliament, Mrs Cummins called for a minister to make a statement on the decision to shut the line on a weekend with such a spectacular sporting and cultural line up as “the North of England plays host to the Ashes at Headingley, the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse, and Leeds Festival. Meanwhile, rugby league fans will be heading to Wembley for the Challenge Cup Final".

She added: “I will be hoping to ask further questions next week and writing directly to the Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling about this decision that will inconvenience thousands of travellers who are looking forward to attending the best sports and culture from our region.”