Chelsfield commuters 'cannot uproot on the whim of the SRA'

3.22.18pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th Apr 2004

In a formal objection to the Strategic Rail Authority, the London Assembly Liberal Democrats have again shown their support for local campaigners fighting a proposal to slash the number of trains serving Chelsfield Station.

In their submission to the Integrated Kent Franchise consultation, the Lib Dems call on the SRA to drop plans to reduce the level of service for Chelsfield Station and to reconsider diverting trains on the Hayes Line to Cannon Street.

Lib Dem spokesperson Lynne Featherstone, who is also chair of the London Assembly transport committee, said:

"The SRA is reported to have said that these proposals are reasonable because they 'only affect little-used rural stations and services during off-peak hours'.

"In fact Chelsfield is a densely-populated suburban community. Many people have bought homes there precisely because they commute to destinations along the line to London and because a frequent service operates in the morning peak. They cannot readily uproot themselves and their children at the whim of the SRA."

Ms Featherstone, who chaired a protest meeting of some 150 Chelsfield residents on 29 March, to which the SRA was invited but chose not to attend, added:

"Chelsfield residents deserve a level of service appropriate to a busy commuter station. They certainly pay enough for their season tickets!"

ENDS