Conservatives in Bromley have written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, to call for the return of the Cannon Street to Hayes direct rail service, which formerly ran on Southeastern Rail.
The letter, written by Thomas Turrell AM and signed by Peter Fortune MP, is also signed by the six Conservative Councillors representing wards affected: Councillors Josh Coldspring-White, Alexa Michael, and Diane Smith, who represent Hayes & Coney Hall Ward; and Councillors Daniel Burden, Hannah Gray, and Christine Harris in the West Wickham Ward.
At present, commuters travelling from Hayes to Cannon Street, a key terminal in the City of London, must change trains at London Bridge. Previously, the service could be made direct. In their letter, the Conservatives cite how many residents have been impacted by the cancellation of service and the consequences for commute times, particularly for an outer-London community where many chose to make their homes because of the ease of access to the City. The current service, Conservatives say, does not match the needs of passengers - and that restoring the old direct link could take pressure off the beleaguered London Bridge station whilst demonstrating the commitment of the Government to improve passenger experience across the network.
In a statement, Thomas Turrell, Conservative Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley on the London Assembly, said:
“I know my constituents have been impacted by the hassle and delay that the loss of this key service has caused, and the consequences this has for Hayes. With the Labour Government championing their renationalisation programme, let them demonstrate that their mission is to improve passenger experience by restoring this vital connection. The ball is entirely in their court, but I am pleased to have the support of Conservatives in Bromley in making the case for better connecting our borough to the City.”
Member of Parliament for Bromley and Biggin Hill, Peter Fortune MP, added:
“For nearly four years, our constituents have paid the price for this short-sighted decision. Withdrawing the direct Hayes to Cannon Street service didn't solve anything; it just created chaos at London Bridge. Restoring the service is hugely important for my residents, and I hope the Secretary of State will engage constructively with us so that we can resolve this issue swiftly.”
Councillor Alexa Michael, Councillor for Hayes and Coney Hall Ward, who petitioned against the original removal of these services in 2022, said:
“People bought houses and laid down roots in places like Hayes for its easy access to the City of London where many residents work. Since the direct rail service from Hayes to Cannon Street was axed, we have seen London Bridge Station close because it is dangerously overcrowded. Local commuters still tell us regularly about the importance of having a direct rail service to Cannon Street. It was a serious mistake to remove this service, and it is high time it was reinstated.”
West Wickham Councillor, Daniel Burden, added:
“It is now four years on from the decision to withdraw the Cannon Street service and hundreds of residents are still crying out for the service to be reinstated. We ask the Secretary of State to listen to their concerns and make this simple alteration enable them the fast and safe route into London.”
