Late trains could cost someone their job - Öpik

3.10.44pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 29th Nov 2006

Lembit Öpik, MP for Montgomeryshire, today highlighted the practical work problems which late trains in Mid Wales are causing to people in the region. He raised the issue with the Secretary of State for Wales in the House of Commons.

Lembit said,

"I get a steady stream of letters from constituents complaining at the constant lateness of local train services - indeed, some say that Arriva Trains Wales could cost them their job."

"Some of the reasons given for the poor service are verging on the ridiculous. During the summer, pollen was been blamed on one service - does this mean that some of our trains suffer from hay fever?"

"This is appalling service. Local people have jobs to do and Arriva Trains Wales is providing a shocking service. At the moment, some people who are being made persistently late are reliant on the goodwill of their employer - but not everyone has an understanding boss.

"I have written to Arriva Trains on behalf of several of my constituents. This is clearly an issue which is disrupting people's working lives.

"We all understand that occasionally there may be genuine exceptional reasons why a train may be late. However, the most regular aspect of the local timetable is the lateness! Having trains which never seem to be on time is shoddy service. This issue has to be resolved because constant lateness may ultimately cost someone their job. "

Ends / Diwedd

Notes:

A copy of what Lembit Öpik MP said to the Secretary of State:

"The Minister will know the appalling delays and cancellations on the Arriva Trains service on the Mid Wales line. For example my constituent, Eleanor Cruse is consistently late for work in Shrewsbury as a direct result. Since not everyone can fly with my air service, would he support the re-establishment of dual rail tracks from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth.