Sandra Gidley secures better future for local train services

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 31st Mar 2006

Following Sandra's meeting on Tuesday (28th March) with Transport Minister Derek Twigg to discuss the future of local rail services, it has today been confirmed by the Minister that the service between Romsey and Southampton via Chandlers Ford will be retained and extended through to Salisbury.

This will create new journey opportunities for passengers to travel from Salisbury and Southampton Airport Parkway. It will also provide a regular half-hourly service between Salisbury and Southampton. This new service will enable a limited number of calls at Dean and Dunbridge stations.

Sandra said:

"This is great news for local train passengers.

"The campaign has included lobbying and a debate in the House of Commons. The recent meeting was the culmination of a lot of effort and over two and a half thousand local people signed the Liberal Democrat petition.

"I am delighted that the Minister has taken on board the strength of local feeling and that a solution has been reached which will tackle both problems.

The Draft South Western Franchise Replacement Consultation proposed the reduction of the Chandlers Ford service to a Romsey - Eastleigh shuttle.

Over 50% of Chandlers Ford train users travel beyond Eastleigh.

The proposed new timetable from First Great Western would have also affected local commuters. The decisions to slash the Romsey to Dunbridge, Dean and Salisbury services understandably caused great concern for local people and the many passengers who use these services every day.