“Rail plans a body blow for our area” says MP |
Following a meeting last week with Alison Forster, the Managing Director of First Great Western, local MP Theresa May today slammed plans to reduce services to both Maidenhead and Twyford.
“Today’s announcements are a body blow for our area,” Theresa commented. “Almost all of the improvements we have won over the past year have been swept away. There will now be fewer fast trains than ever before, which will undoubtedly lead to more overcrowding and force ever more people to return to their cars. These announcements will have a catastrophic effect on the quality of life enjoyed by local commuters. But they will also damage businesses based in our area. “The blame for this disastrous news lies squarely at the door of Government. First Great Western have made many mistakes since taking over the franchise and I have been the first to criticise their performance. But it is now clear that during the bidding process for the new franchise they offered to substantially increase the number of fast and semi-fast trains from both Maidenhead and Twyford. The Department of Transport and Network Rail rejected these improvements. “Whilst these services are being cut, commuters will be able to see First Great Western spending money re-opening the down main platform at Maidenhead, even though there will be no trains stopping there! “Maidenhead, Twyford and the two branch lines are significant parts of the Greater Western Network, they generate a huge amount of revenue and this grossly inferior service is simply not acceptable. I am meeting the Transport Minister in two weeks time to make my views known. In the meantime it is vital that the Department is aware of the strength of feeling among local people. If you would like to add your name to my petition for a decent standard of service please email me at mayt@parliament.uk.” |
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