Labour campaign keeps Hamworthy to London through trains

Poole Labour Party has forced South Western Railway to u-turn on its proposal to axe all through trains from Hamworthy to London, Waterloo. Labour’s victory has been revealed in a report published today by the privatised train company, that says it will now maintain through services from Hamworthy. However, the report gives no details and still indicates there will be a significant reduction in the number of trains stopping at Branksome and Parkstone stations, as well as Hamworthy.

Poole Labour campaigned vigorously in December last year, when cuts to our train services were proposed.

The Chair of Poole Labour, Katie Taylor, said: “I’m proud of what Poole Labour has achieved so far on behalf of Hamworthy residents, but there is still a long way to go. South Western Railway remains secretive about most of their plans. It seems they are determined to go ahead with some cuts. Why?"

“They could publish their proposed timetable now, coming clean on any proposals. We will continue to press them to do so. Their glossy brochure gives no details. It’s also significant that the local Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have been completely silent on this issue. Presumably they are in favour of cuts.”

Rail fares in England have gone up a third since the Conservatives came to power. A future Labour Government will take the country’s railways into public ownership, putting services for rail passengers ahead of profits for shareholders.