Public meeting called for Thameslink train cuts (From Your Local Guardian)

Public meeting called for Thameslink train cuts

12:29pm Wednesday 15th August 2012 in Top Stories By Omar Oakes

A public meeting has been called to discuss proposed cuts to the Wimbledon loop on the Thameslink service.

Residents will have an opportunity to listen to Roger Jones, head of rail franchising from the Department for Transport (Dft) and have their say on whether trains should terminate at Blackfriars from 2018.

Thousands of commuters from South London use the Wimbledon loop service which stops at stations in Wimbledon, Sutton and Streatham.

Shas Sheehan, a former Wimbledon Parliamentary Candidate for the Liberal Democrats, said: "Local residents are really upset about their train service being downgraded.

"Hundreds of people have already signed our petition but it is vital that people continue to make their feelings heard during this consultation period."

"We must do our upmost to make sure the area is included in the through service – nine Merton stations will be affected."

A DfT spokesman said it wanted to hear from people in order to make the best decision on which train routes would continue to pass through the Thameslink core.

He said: "This is a consultation document and we welcome any views on the best option to take. We encourage people to provide responses."

Residents are invited to join the meeting at 7.30pm, Thursday August 16, at Hideaway jazz club, 2 Empire Mews, Stanthorpe Road, Streatham SW16 2ED.