THE scrapping of the main cross border rail franchise deal has been branded a "shambles" as urgent talks are demanded to ensure the service from Glasgow continues.

In later editions of yesterday's Evening Times, it was reported the West Coast Main Line franchise, awarded to First Group, was being withdrawn after it emerged the process was flawed due to Department For Transport errors.

The UK Government said it would not contest legal action by Virgin Trains owner Richard Branson and cancelled the deal with Aberdeen-based First Group.

The Scottish Government was angry it had not been informed of the decision, despite the services operating north of the border in and out of Glasgow Central Station.

Three UK civil servants have been suspended following errors, which Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said were "unacceptable", including failing to take into account inflation over the period of the franchise,

Scottish Government Transport Minister Keith Brown said it brought the whole franchise system in doubt and wants Scotland to be able to explore other methods of managing the service.

He said: "This is a shambolic situation that affects thousands of passengers in and out of Scotland.

"I will do everything I can within our current limited powers to help minimise any uncertainty and disruption for them and I urge the Department for Transport to sort out this horrendous mess and do the same.

"Despite the fact that this franchise provides services to and from Scotland, we were not advised of the findings, nor of the fact that they would be announced today and were therefore not included in planning how best to protect the interests of Scottish passengers.

"I have repeatedly raised concerns with the UK Government about the operation of franchises and sought full responsibility for the Scottish Parliament.

"I asked the previous Secretary of State if we could set aside the franchising process because we believe it is a very expensive way to procure services.

"She was not able to agree to that and what we have to try and find out now is just where the UK Government stands on the issue of franchising."

The UK Government suspended three other franchise negotiations south of the border, but the ScotRail deal due to be renewed in 2014 is not affected.

Senior Glasgow politicians echoed the concerns and demanded clarity on the future of the route.

Deputy First Minister and Glasgow Southside SNP MSP Nicola Sturgeon, said: "This is a UK Government shambles with big implications for Scotland."

Glasgow Central Labour MSP Anas Sarwar said: "The West Coast Main Line is a complete shambles, the franchise cancelled and £40m lost."

Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland Margaret Curran MP, said: "The West Coast Main Line is of vital importance to Scotland and people who use the line for business and to visit family across the UK.

"This decision demonstrates again the incompetence of the Tory-led Government.

"What Scots need now is clarity about the future of the West Coast Main Line."