MP demands end to train service worries
Any train service reduction on the Chase Line would be totally unacceptable, an MP who is demanding assurances on its future, claims.
Any train service reduction on the Chase Line would be totally unacceptable, an MP who is demanding assurances on its future, claims.
Now there are plans to cut off-peak services from Walsall to Rugeley and the evening service from Birmingham to Walsall from two trains per hour to just one from Monday to Saturday from December 13.
This will be the start of the new timetable, and Cannock Chase MP Tony Wright has written to transport authority Centro and train operator London Midland Trains calling for an end to the uncertainty.
Bosses from London Midland and Centro met for crisis talks last week in a bid to resolve the issue.
Following the meeting Richard Lakin, spokesman for London Midland, said nothing could be announced at this stage but both sides are hoping there could be a positive outcome. An announcement is expected this week.
Centro had criticised the train company saying it was letting passengers down by cutting services while London Midland in turn said Centro missed out on a deadline of August 21 to provide funding for extra services which are not part of London Midland's franchise commitment. Centro is adamant funding, believed to be around £750,000, is now in place.
Dr Wright says he is "annoyed by the bickering and blame-game" from both parties. He said: "What people here want is an assurance that there will be no cut in services for the Chase Line from December.
"We do not need to know whose fault it is, or to hear one side blaming the other. But we do need an assurance that there will be no loss of service and that's what I'm demanding. If it takes a bit of table-banging, then that's what I shall do.
"I have written to ask for an immediate end to the uncertainty about the December timetable on the Chase Line that serves my constituency.
"Any service reduction on this heavily used line would be wholly unacceptable. I see it being suggested by London Midland that the uncertainty has arisen because of the sloth of Centro and by Centro because of the unreasonableness of London Midland.
"My constituents do not care who is primarily at fault but they do want an agreement now that guarantees no service reduction in the December timetable."
