The managing directors of two train operating companies will be talking about the future of rail services in the East Midlands at a public meeting in Leicester in March.

Brian Burdsall of Midland Mainline and Andy Cooper of Central Trains will give their assessment of the rail revival in the area.

The common link between the two men is that both franchises are part of the National Express Group, now Britain's largest train operator.

Can NEG deliver a regional vision for our rail network with integrated planning and operation?

What investment, new services, new trains, new and refurbished station, and line reopenings can they deliver?

What long-term vsion do they have for the Midland and Central networks - faster journey times, tilting trains, new destinations?

Will Corby be reopened? Will Central introduce inter-city type trains on long-distance services as proposed for TransPennine? Will Leicester have direct services to Bristol, Wales, Yorkshire and Scotland?

The meeting starts at 1345 at The City Rooms, Hotel Street, Leicester on Saturday 17 March. Entry is free. But there will be a charge for refreshments.

By John Armstrong