Commuter services slashed

9.11.20am GMT Tue 16th Feb 2010

Dave Naghi has reacted with anger to the recent loss of some direct commuter services to London.

A decision by the Transport Department confirms that direct commuter services from Maidstone East to Charing Cross, London Bridge and Cannon Street will cease. Maidstone is to be left with only direct services to Victoria. This has increased the journey times of some Maidstone commuters by as much as an hour.

Dave said: "For heaven's sake, Maidstone is the County town of Kent. Many other areas of the County are benefiting from new High Speed commuter services which are slashing journey times. But Maidstone commuters are having their services cut and journey times increased. This is yet another example of why our area needs a strong MP to fight for our interests."

Lib Dem Ken Stevens added, "The Lib Dems in Maidstone are against these cuts. Many local people have decided to make Maidstone their home because of the ease of commuting to London. That is no longer the case. At a time when we should be making rail travel easier to help the environment these unfair cuts are going to force more people back into their cars.'