Thatcham train removed from new timetable

10.27.10am GMT Tue 4th Dec 2007

Thatcham Councillors have hit out at First Great Western following the news that the 8.18am service from Thatcham to Reading has been removed in the new timetable, which comes into force from 9th December.

Thatcham South Ward Member Terry Port, who has written to First Great Western to express his concerns, explained the impact on Thatcham commuters:

"The 8.18 service is currently very busy to the point where it is often difficult to get a seat - and it has been cancelled from next Monday. The earlier train leaves at 8.03am which is too early for those doing the school run first and the later at 8.43 - too late for those starting at 9! Both the other services are busy ones and I am concerned that this move will result in more people driving to Reading, adding to the congestion on our roads and damaging our environment. I have written to First Great Western, outlining the difficulties this will cause in Thatcham, however they have replied saying it is not commercially viable. I would urge all affected to write to FGW to complain."

Shadow Transport spokesman Keith Woodhams added:

"I will be keeping a close eye on these new arrangements which are wholly unsatisfactory. Additionally I will be pressing First Great Western to reinstate the service or add extra carriages to the other services in an effort to get more people to leave their cars at home."