London Editor
Ministers have been warned that axing inter-city rail services between London and Cornwall would be "disastrous" for the region's image and put jobs at risk during eleventh hour talks.
Cornwall MPs Andrew George, George Eustice and Dan Rogerson yesterday met Rail Minister Theresa Villiers, who confirmed that her department is considering cutting three of the nine daily trains between London and Penzance.
The proposed move, which only emerged this week, could be included in the new Great Western rail franchise specification expected to be published this week.
The MPs told the minister alternative "high quality connection services" were inadequate and said a nine-train-a day through-service should be the minimum.
Mr George, Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives, said: "I hope that the minister will demonstrate that she has listened to the voice not only of the local MPs, but of the whole business community and the many constituents who are now up in arms about the suggested reductions.
"We explained that whilst planned replacements of high speed trains with local services may appear attractive on paper, such a decision would be disastrous for Cornwall's image, economy and tourist spend. Business customers having to transfer at Plymouth to smaller and more crowded trains where they may end up with their luggage on their laps for two hours is hardly going to impress them.
"The impact on families and tourists with heavy luggage, worrying about meeting a connection, the disruption and the concern about finding a seat will discourage them from using the service at all.
"The minister indicated that she had not made up her mind on the issue and that a final decision will be announced in the coming days. We must keep up the pressure."
Mr Eustice, Conservative MP for Camborne and Redruth, said: "We had a constructive meeting and the minister gave an undertaking to look at this issue again over the next couple of days before making any final decisions."
A Department for Transport spokesman said: "We are committed to ensuring that all passengers on the Great Western network continue to enjoy access to regular train services as part of the new franchise.
"Plans for the invitation to tender are currently being finalised and a more detailed announcement will be made shortly.
"We anticipate that the new 15-year contract will encourage investment that will deliver benefits to passengers and taxpayers."
