Borrowman calls for wider consultation on train franchise

1.26.54pm GMT Mon 8th Mar 2004

Duncan Borrowman has been a regular commuter from Clockhouse. Trains on the Hayes line will no longer go to Charing Cross if the SRA get their way.

Bexley and Bromley's Liberal Democrat Greater London Assembly candidate has called for wider consultation and information on the Strategic Rail Authority's Integrated Kent Franchise Train Service Specification.

The consultation, which would see a radical shake up of rail services in the area, ends on 23 April.

Duncan Borrowman said: "There is good news in the document in many areas with increased services on many lines, but there is also some very bad news for commuters. For instance services to Chelsfield will be cut to two an hour in peak times - as a regular commuter from Chelsfield Station I have to say the service is bad enough as it is, without further cuts.

"I am also astounded at the proposal that all Hayes Line trains would terminate at Cannon Street - I used to regularly commute from Clockhouse to Charing Cross and belive that diverting these trains will be a nightmare. The consultation is also silent about weekend services on this line when Cannon Street is closed.

"The travelling public need to be aware of the content of what are detailed proposals that will have a massive impact on their journeys"

Copies of the consultation document can be downloaded from the Bromley Liberal Democrat website at www.bromleylibdems.org.uk/resources.php