WEEKEND BRIGG TRAIN DELAY: A FEW POINTS TO CONSIDER

A new passenger train timetable came into effect for stations along the Brigg line between Sheffield and Cleethorpes on Saturday (December 18).
However, a lengthy delay was encountered in Brigg by the first service of the morning due to problems with a set of points near the town's level crossing, we were informed over the weekend.
Someone living locally, who takes a keen interest in the railway, later made an interesting point in a social media post.
He recalled that, for many years, there used to be a diesel loco sent along the Brigg line from Wrawby Junction to Gainsborough and then back again early on Saturday mornings, just to check all was well with the track and signalling.
This so-called light engine journey was because the Brigg line did not usually see any trains - passenger or freight - from one Saturday to the next.
Having been informed about Saturday's delay due to the track issue, Brigg Blog was composing a thank-you reply by text when we keyed in the word 'signalman'. A prompting message immediately flashed up on our phone, suggesting the option 'DELETE'.
Yes, we should have used the modern term 'signaller' as there are males and females employed in signalboxes across the network.
However, our message was in reference to a specific signal MAN working locally in the 1970s. So perhaps, in this context, it might be excused.
The Independent Brigg Line Rail Group, which campaigns for greater use of our local route, has kindly sent us a laminated poster showing the new Saturday timetable which now operates until May 2022 (festive period excepted).
Brigg station departure times are as follows:
To Barnetby, Grimsby & Cleethorpes, from platform one: 9.13am, 1.27pm, 5.12pm.
To Kirton Lindsey, Gainsborough, Retford & Sheffield, from platform two: 11.47am, 3.43pm, 7.48pm.
All services are operated by Northern, and the IBLRG poster gives the current train fares from Brigg. A ticket to Cleethorpes and back currently costs £10.70p and you can go to and from Grimsby for £10.40p.

PICTURED: An on-time passenger train calling at Brigg station on a previous Saturday when there were no track-related gremlins.