After having been suspended since Christmas due to staff unavailability because of the pandemic, train services between Nuneaton and Leamington Spa will resume on Sunday, 27th February.

As the Omicron variant took hold, there was a significant rise in the number of traincrew unavailable to work.

However, with cases of Covid-19 falling in recent weeks, West Midlands Railway (WMR) has confirmed that it is reinstating the full hourly timetable on the route from Sunday.

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “I would like to thank our customers for their patience while we were forced to temporarily suspend the train service on this route.

“Like many industries, the Omicron variant had a significant impact on the railway. However, with case numbers falling in recent weeks we are now able to reinstate the full hourly timetable and look forward to welcoming customers back on board.”

Councillor Wallace Redford, portfolio holder for transport and planning at Warwickshire County Council, said: “We welcome the reopening of the route and the opportunities it brings for people to travel across Warwickshire using public transport.

“As we all learn to live with Covid-19, we hope people will be able to get out and about more to enjoy our wonderful county. Whether it’s visiting the museum and art gallery in Nuneaton, learning about the history of Kenilworth Castle, or checking out what’s on at the Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Jeremy Wright MP, whose Kenilworth constituency is served by the route, said: “Kenilworth Station has been without a full service for too long. Following the extensive engagement I have had with West Midlands Railway and the leader of the County Council, whose support has been appreciated, I welcome the resumption of the service. I now hope and expect West Midlands Railway to focus on maintaining and improving the service.”