Sanders Urges Constituents to Oppose Rail Cuts

Adrian Sanders, Local MP, has today called for the Government to rethink its franchising terms for the Waterloo railway which currently runs direct services to Torquay and Paignton from London.

The South Western Franchise document published on Tuesday recommended the removal any trains running east of Exeter.

Adrian Sanders said,

“I fear that the near total removal of direct services from London to the constituency will severely affect the tourism and business sectors of the local economy.

Cutting direct services will only isolate the area and make Torbay less attractive to visitors and inward investors.”

Adrian sent a letter to the Department of Transport urging the removal of the suggestion of modification of the service from the franchising terms.

Adrian added,

“The rationale for this removal is that it duplicates an existing service which is absurd. There is only one direct train from London to Torquay and Paignton from Paddington each day. The Waterloo service does not duplicate this service but adds to it. Furthermore, the cessation of the service removes choice for the customer and installs an unhealthy monopoly.”

Anybody interested in making an objection and taking part in the consultation should either visit the Department of Transport website directly or contact Adrian at the House of Commons. Information will also be posted on Adrian’s website www.adriansanders.org.

Adrian concluded by saying,

“I am urging local businesses to formally oppose the removal of these services by making a submission before the end of the consultation period on the 13^th of January 2006.”