Barton Line Early Morning Service this Summer

Regular readers will know my concerns for the Barton Line early morning service this summer during the Scunthorpe to Doncaster rail blockade. While I'm still waiting for a response from TransPennine Express, Northern Rail have replied to my email expressing my concerns - well sort off.

Their response is that they are "unable to confirm any details about replacement service for this route". Northern aren't likely to inform the public of planned arrangements until they are confirmed, but the use of the word replacement indicates the usual early morning train service will not be operated. Needless bus replacement seems the only practical option.