More disruption for Streatham Thameslink users (From Streatham Guardian)

More disruption for Streatham Thameslink users

3:50pm Monday 23rd November 2009

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Commuters facing a third week of major disruptions on Thameslink train services have lost patience over the pay dispute that has caused the problem.

Thousands of passengers using Streatham, Tulse Hill and Herne Hill stations have seen only a skeleton service since the dispute broke out between train operator First Capital Connect (FCC) and its drivers.

As little as one train an hour has been running to central London, badly affecting residents travelling to central London, especially in the rush hour.

Streatham resident Jon Waits said: “I have had to make different arrangements to get into work. It’s a real pain. With the threat of strike action it seems things will get worse before they get better.”

Most train drivers have refused to do voluntary overtime since FCC put its pay offer on the table - which has meant the rail operator has had to dramatically cut the number of trains running.

Union Aslef has balloted its members on strike action meaning the entire service could grind to a halt completely in the run-up to Christmas.

A FCC spokesman said: "We have made what we believe to be a fair offer given the current economic climate and unprecedented duration of the recession."

Streatham Parliamentary candidate Chuka Umunna said he has written to FCC protesting against the current disruption being experienced.

He has also met with Transport Minister Sadiq Khan MP to relay local residents' concerns over long-term planned changes to Streatham's Thameslink service.

Network Rail is planning to only run a direct service from Streatham Station to Blackfriars after 2015, cutting off Streatham's direct rail link to the City, King's Cross and Luton Airport.

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