Open Letter: Ashford Domestic Station

Dear Sirs,

South Eastern Trains are proposing, in their latest staff cutbacks, to remove Safety Critical Staff during offpeak periods at Ashford Station.

Cllr Cowley asked a valuable question at this week's full council meeting that should be brought to the attention of the public.

The Ashford Domestic Station has recently completed a phase of development part funded by Ashford Borough Council, have been nominated Station of the Year and are previous recipients of awards for safety. However, it is clear their impeccable record may be maligned by removal of staff on the platform who provide a vital service to passengers and to the smooth operation of the trains. Yet portfolio holder Cllr Claughton considered the matter irrelevant for the council and community.

In light of the recent train crash in Belgium, the importance of platform staff who ensure the safe dispatch of trains to green and amber lights cannot be overlooked.

Furthermore, given that Cllr Claughton is chair of Ashford Access, his lack of concern at access for disabled people to the services South Eastern provide is rather baffling.

I would expect our council to more concerned about the lifeline for this town becoming dangerous and inaccessable to all members of the community.

Kind regards

Kelly-Marie Blundell
Ashford Liberal Democrats
Kennington