New local train service - secretly cut!

3.44.49pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 13th Jul 2009

Caroline Pidgeon and Pete Pattisson are demanding that TfL reveal their plans for the new service

The South London Press have launched a campaign to save the south London Line train service, due to be cut by Transport for London (TfL) in its review of rail services. But south London residents have in fact been dealt a double blow by TfL.

TfL have now surreptitiously withdrawn a new service from Victoria to Bellingham, which was intended to compensate for the loss of the south London line. We are therefore due to lose a crucial existing train service, and a proposed new service. The new service would have been a real boost for Catford residents, but it appears TfL have tried to spirit it away without anyone noticing.

The Department for Transport only allowed TfL to cut this new service on condition it announced it publicly and informed key stakeholders on the route, but there is no sign that TfL are about to do this. Caroline Pidgeon (Lib Dem London Assembly transport spokesperson) and Cllr Pete Pattisson are demanding TfL come clean.