MP Nick Raynsford joins criticism of Southeastern Olympic rail cuts

GREENWICH and Woolwich MP Nick Raynsford has joined criticism of Southeastern’s planned changes to rail services during the Olympics.

The plans, scheduled for weekdays between July 28 and August 12 2012, will see fewer trains at Deptford, Maze Hill, Westcombe Park, Charlton and Kidbrooke while Woolwich Dockyard station will close.

Mr Raynsford labelled the proposals “poorly planned”, saying: “Southeastern has to recognise that many local people will have to commute to and from work as normal during the Olympic Games, and that they must provide a decent service for these people as well as Olympic spectators.

“Sadly, I can see that there may be little alternative but to close Woolwich Dockyard temporarily, because 12-carriage trains will be running during the Games and the station can’t take trains longer than ten carriages.

“But I don't see why services to and from Maze Hill and Westcombe Park stations need to be cut so drastically, or why there will be no trains at all between Blackheath and Charlton unless you are travelling before 6.30 in the morning.”

Others who have already gone public with their opposition include Joan Ruddock MP, the Charlton Rail Users Group, the Westcombe Society, chairwoman of the London Assembly Transport Committee Caroline Pidgeon and Greenwich Council.

News Shopper: Police patrols are being stepped up on late-night trains Southeastern claims the changes will allow it to cope with higher passenger numbers, giving them more time to hop on and off at major stations on the route.