THE shortcomings of Southeastern’s commuter train services to Bexley have been outlined during a debate in the House of Commons.

Bexleyheath and Crayford MP David Evennett used an adjournment debate to appeal to rail minister Theresa Villiers for support in demanding a better performance from the company.

Mr Evennett, backed by Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce and Orpington and Chislehurst MP Jo Johnson, criticised Southeastern for its failure to prepare for December’s bad weather; its failure to communicate with its own staff and the wider public on service delays and cancellations; its bumper fare rises; its continuing poor service and failing to respond to customers’s requests for better facilities.

Mr Evennett said: “I believe the service has got worse since September.

“Some constituents say the journey is taking longer and the problem is affecting their job.”

He claimed: “Punctuality is a real issue.”

Mr Evennett claimed Southeastern did not keep staff up to speed on problems with its services, which led to a lot of frustration among travellers whose trains were delayed or cancelled.

He and Ms Pearce complained that during the heavy snow, Southeastern’s website showed services running when there were none.

Mr Evennett complained about the hike in fares from January and said the company was slow to help improve facilities, such as step-free access to Crayford and Barnehurst railway stations.

Mr Johnson said there had been delays in repairing the lifts at Orpington station.

Ms Villiers said she appreciated how important rail services were in the suburbs where so many people commute into London every day and she was aware of the significant concern about their quality..

She added: “it is vital that Southeastern and Network Rail significantly improve their performance in the whole of south-east London, as well as on its routes in Kent.

“I will continue to press both on the issue.”

Commuter keeps tabs on his train

SIDCUP commuter Jeff Osborne has been keeping a note of his 7.25am Sidcup to Charing Cross service and has demanded compensation from Southeastern for for the shoddy service he receives for his £1,760 a year season ticket.

He says eight times in January and four times in February, his service was either late, cancelled or running short of carriages