BRIGG HOPING FOR BETTER DAYS AS SAD ANNIVERSARY DRAWS NEAR

There's a sad anniversary coming up in Brigg on a day when we should be celebrating all that's good about living in our part of the country.
Rail campaigner Paul Johnson has been in touch to remind us that October 1, 2018 will be the 25th anniversary of the withdrawal of seven-day-a-week train services on the Brigg line, also serving Kirton Lindsey and Barnetby.
Back in 1993 the railway authorities reduced the Brigg line to Saturdays only, in terms of passenger trains.
And despite prolonged campaigning for better services, no improvements have been forthcoming.
October 1 is Lincolnshire Day, when groups, organisations and individuals celebrate the county's culture, history, produce and achievements.
Lincolnshire flags are evident, flown by proud Yellowbellies.
One of them is pictured above in suburban Brigg.
Decades ago we used to take it for granted that our town station had trains seven days a week.
People crossed the old cast iron footbridge (now being restored on a heritage line in Yorkshire) and awaited a train to Retford, changing for services to northern cities or to head south to London.
All the station buildings are long gone but Brigg can still say it is on the passenger network, if only by virtue of three trains each way on a Saturday (to Sheffield Midland and Grimsby and Cleethorpes).
Paul Johnson also informs us that further industrial action by the RMT Union is planned for Saturdays over the coming weeks (up to September 29).
So be sure to check in advance with Northern, the train operator, if you are intending to make a journey along the ironic Brigg line.
You can call the company on  0800 200 60 60 (24-hour service).

Brigg railway station in the 1970s when trains still called seven days a week.