A direct train service from Brighton to the north of England will be withdrawn in December.

The route, which is operated by Cross Country Trains, currently allows passengers to travel directly from stations including Brighton, Haywards Heath, Gatwick, Redhill, Croydon and Kensington Olympia to Birmingham and Manchester.

However when the train company took over its franchise in November from the Government it was told the service would no longer be required from December 14 2008.

The train services which will be affected from Brighton will be the northbound trains to Birmingham at 09.21 and the 14.22 train to Manchester.

The southbound trains to Brighton leave Manchester at 07.54 and 14.54.

About 40 members of staff, including drivers, train managers, catering staff and office staff, will be relocated to other Cross Country depots or will be offered redundancy packages.

Lee West, communications manager for the train company, said: “This was a decision taken by the Department for Transport up to three years ago.

“It is not that these journeys aren’t still possible, but from December they will require a change of trains, such as travelling via London or changing at Gatwick.”

Will these changes affect you? If so contact Emily-Ann Elliott on 01273 544538, email emily.elliott@theargus.co.uk or leave your comments below.