East Coast for Hexham hits the Journal

It has now reached the Journal that someone in DfT wants us to consider North East Local Services being operated by East Coast. That might not be the end of the world but how is the North East going to properly debate how it wishes "Local Rail in the North East: the next 15 years to shape out?" Does anyone have the clout to organise a regional seminar with strong MP support down?  http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news//2012/08/06/shake-up-in-service-for-east-coast-rail-passengers-61634-31556559/?campaign=Newcastle_email_journalliveemail:20120806