MOVES to cut the number of Thameslink trains through East Croydon from four to two an hour outside peak times are being heavily opposed.
The changes are planned from December by Network Rail and the Department for Transport because of the closure of part of London Bridge Station for three years, to allow for new building work to improve Thameslink services.
Charles King, chair of East Surrey Transport Committee, said the First Capital Connect Thameslink services provided important connections with Blackfriars, Farringdon, St Pancras International for Eurostar services and on to Luton Airport.
He said: "I have written to Patrick McLoughlin, the transport secretary, to tell him we think his department and Network Rail have got this wrong and we have got support from all three of Croydon MPs and London Assembly member, Steve O'Connell."
In his letter to Mr McLoughlin, Mr King said the reduction "will cause overcrowding, reduce journey opportunity and increase waiting times and missed connections at East Croydon and Gatwick to other local services in our area."
He also believes the service cuts will result in people using other services to London Bridge and Victoria and being forced onto the already overcrowded Victoria and Northern Underground lines.
In his letter, Mr King suggests an alternative solution to cope with the situation during the closure of London Bridge.
He wants to see two trains an hour between Brighton and Bedford via Herne Hill; two trains and hour between Gatwick Airport and Bedford via Herne Hill and two trains an hour between Brighton and London Bridge.
Mr King tells the secretary of state: "This would maintain the link between Brighton and Gatwick and London Bridge while maintaining the frequency of four trains an hour between East Croydon and central London, St Pancras and Luton Airport, providing the level of train service that is needed on this important cross London route."
