LOCAL MPS JOIN TRANSPORT MINISTER FOR LONDON BRIDGE RAIL SUMMIT
21.07.2015 for immediate release: East SussexMPs, Huw Merriman and Maria Caulfield, joined Rail Minister Claire Perry for a rail performance summit at London Bridge station on Monday 20 July.
Responding to ongoing concerns about local rail performance which has been badly affected by the redevelopment of London Bridge station, the Rail Minister invited Sussex MPs to view the progress of the major project at London Bridge.
Rail bosses from Southern and Network Rail were on hand to answer questions from the MPs whose constituents have been hard hit by the re-organisation of rail services whilst the works are in progress.
Speaking in London Bridge, Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle said “The construction is coming on well since I last visited in April. I stood on the space which will, by Jan 2016, be the new Platform 9 for the Charing Cross branch of South Eastern although trains will not be stopping there until Aug 2016.
I’m pleased to hear that there are daily meetings with Network Rail, Southern, South Eastern and TFL to be better joined-up and ensure delays and disruption are minimised whilst the construction goes on. This is aimed at reducing the risks of disruption experienced earlier this year. There is much to do but the passenger experience will be greatly improved when the station is finished.”
Maria Caulfield, MP for Lewes, commented “This is an important issue for many of my constituents who all agree that improvements are needed to local rail services. It was useful to have the opportunity to speak with those involved in this scheme to stress the importance of minimising disruption for passengers whilst this much needed work is undertaken.”