MPs launch "save our trains" campaign

12.00.00am GMT Fri 9th Dec 2005

"This is short sighted and very bad for our communities and the environment"

Sandra Gidley MP and Chris Huhne MP launched their campaign to save the Romsey to Southampton train service at Chandler's Ford station today with a petition signed by many commuting train passengers.

Sandra and Chris were at Chandler's Ford Railway station on Friday 9th December at 7.45am to meet commuters taking the threatened services at 8.12 to Southampton and 8.42 to Romsey. They were handing out petitions and asking commuters to lobby the Government to retain the existing link between Romsey and Totton.

New proposals in the south west franchise document being consulted upon by the Department of Transport will mean the axing of the through service from Romsey to Totton and replacing it with a shuttle service between Romsey and Eastleigh where commuters would have to change and wait for connections.

Sandra said, "This ending of the direct service to Southampton is short sighted and very bad for our communities and the environment. Making travel more difficult will put more cars back on the road for those wishing to access the city, the airport and the Saints matches. The service has exceeded all expectations on passenger numbers and it is not too late to stop this madness. Consultation closes in early January and I urge everyone to sign our petition to let your voice be heard."

Chris said: "Eastleigh borough already has one of the highest number of people who have to travel to work by car because of poor public transport, and any reduction of rail services will be a big step backwards for local residents and the environment. I hope this petition will make ministers think again and protect our rail services".