Blackheath passengers' anger at rail cuts

3.14.39pm GMT Mon 16th Nov 2009

Cllr Chris Maines is opposing the cuts

Angry train passengers are protesting at cuts to train services via Blackheath. They have launched a petition to 10 Downing Street, met with managers from Southeastern Trains and are determined to get the cut services re-instated.

The new train timetable slashes Cannon Street services from Blackheath by 50%, withdraws one Charing Cross train, and removes any rush hour services on the Woolwich line to Blackheath and Lewisham. To add salt to the wound, Southeastern Trains are raising fares in January.

Ben Kelland of the Blackheath Village Residents Group, which is co-ordinating the protest along with the Blackheath Society, says, "We believe this is the worst timetable for Blackheath commuters for at least 35 years and yet SouthEastern Trains is the only London train company to be allowed to raise fares next January. People have moved to the area because of the rail links to the City and these are now being cut."

Liberal Democrat councillor for Blackheath Chris Maines is supporting the campaign to get the services re-instated. He says, "Southeastern Trains are treating the passengers appallingly. They have introduced these changes with minimal consultation and when challenged claim they carried out the consultation in 2003. The idea that people were told six years ago about these changes and therefore it is OK to proceed is contemptible.

"Blackheath passengers already experience overcrowding. It will be far worse with fewer trains. Southeastern Trains are one of the few operators putting up fares above the rate of inflation," Cllr Maines added.

You can sign the petition on the 10 Downing Street website at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/southeastern2/

Related Links:

Blackheath Village Residents Group.

Sign the petition.

Stop Blackheath Rail Cuts Facebook group.