Kevin Pearce, Franchise Director for Virgin West Coast trains, has
written to Michael Fabricant with the draft timetable for the West Coast
Main line effective from December this year and valid until December
2008 when the ‘permanent’ timetable comes into force.

"From December 2007, there will be high-speed tilting Virgin Pendolino
trains to Euston (London) from Lichfield Trent Valley departing at
06.33, 07.21, 08.50, 09.27, 15.18, and 22.13." says Michael Fabricant.
"The return services from Euston will run at 09.38, 16.49, 17.48, 19.38,
and 20.46. But this timetable is only for 12 months.

"Although we have won a partial victory with the 2008 timetable by
ensuring that there will be a Virgin commuter train between 7am and
7.30am, it is important that Virgin and Network Rail do not think that
the slower Desiro trains which will be introduced from December 2008 are
a substitute for the Pendolino service. They are not. They do not
offer the speed nor the comfort. As Lichfield expands in size, our
train service must reflect this."