21 November 2008Sevenoaks District Council has expressed its disappointment at hearing of a reduction in a train service that will affect residents of Edenbridge, Chiddingstone, Penshurst and Leigh.
Despite representations made by the Council and the Edenbridge Rail Travellers' Association, Southern Rail has announced the following cuts on the Tonbridge to Redhill Line:
The Council opposed the reduction in service, which will come into effect in December 2008, on the basis that it is contrary to National Planning Policy guidance which seeks to:
1) Promote sustainable transport choices
2) Promote accessibility to jobs, shopping, leisure facilities and services by public transport, walking and cycling, and
3) Reduce the need to travel, especially by car
It is also contrary to BAA Gatwick’s policy on encouraging visitors to travel to the airport by sustainable methods of transport.
Due to the lack of bus services, the line is also the only means of transport to Tonbridge, Redhill, Gatwick Airport and London for employment, leisure and other services for those without a car.
Cllr Gary Williamson, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for transport policy, says: "These cuts will undoubtedly result in a significant deterioration of services on a line which plays an important role in the lives of people living in the rural communities it serves. It is of a great disappointment that despite raising this with the rail operator, and the fact that the changes fly in the face of National Planning Policy, the cuts will be made."
The Council learnt of Southern Rail’s decision yesterday (Thursday 22 May).
