Councillors have won back a train service which disappeared off the timetable without warning or consultation.

Clr Eric Firth, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for transport and town centres, accused TransPennine Express of “abandoning” Huddersfield and Dewsbury when a vital service for students was axed in December.

Timetable changes saw connections between the two biggest towns in Kirklees cut in the late afternoon and early evening, just at the time students – many from Greenhead College in Huddersfield – were heading home.

Clr Firth and Clr Manisha Kaushik, deputy chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, demanded the services be reinstated.

Now, after writing to the managing director of TransPennine Express, Clr Firth has been told the services will be reinstated from Sunday May 21.

Clr Firth said: “I am now delighted to inform travellers that from Sunday May 21, the two stopping trains from Huddersfield will be reinstated, that is the 4.08pm and the 5.12pm. This just shows that sometimes large organisations do listen.”

TransPennine Express accused of ‘abandoning’ Huddersfield and Dewsbury with train service cuts

Clr Kaushik added: “I’m glad that TransPennine Express has had a change of heart though I am still disappointed the change is two-and-a-half months away.”

A spokesman for TransPennine Express said: “The rail industry makes amendments to its timetables twice a year, in May and December, to try to deliver the best possible travel options for customers.

“The process is extremely complex, particularly in areas with several operators and, after taking into consideration feedback from stakeholders on our December timetable change, we’re pleased to be able to reinstate two stopping services to Huddersfield.”

To check a journey, or for more information, visit https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/