I read with interest last week's story about the success in getting SWT to re-introduce one train service it axed four years ago.

Alarmingly Weybridge, Walton, Hersham and Esher are about to suffer a similar fate but this time it is 24 services each day that are to go, including all those off-peak with first class accommodation and through trains to Guildford.

SWT claims it must do this to improve performance as it seems incapable of operating the service taken on when the railway was privatised.

It is my view passengers want trains on time.

But given the choice most of us would opt for a late train rather than no train at all.

Brand new trains are about to be introduced but they will sit in sidings during the day while priority is given to those longer distance travellers from whom SWT take higher fares.

Meanwhile road congestion will increase as more people are forced to abandon the trains.

Please write to SWT, the Strategic Rail Authority and your MP and try to get this madness stopped before we have to campaign for four years to get services re-instated.

Paul Cheeseman

Garrick Close

Elmbridge

May 30, 2003 10:00