Gregory Stafford MP visited Haslemere Station with representatives from South Western Railway and Network Rail to discuss the local train network and wider infrastructure issues. SWR serves both the Alton and Portsmouth lines that run through his constituency.
Gregory acknowledged the recent problems with reliability and late-running trains and welcomed assurances that much-needed technology improvements will be completed by the end of next year, which are set to allow for more consistent services. He also underlined that residents deserve clear accountability as SWR moves towards anticipated nationalisation, stressing that management changes must deliver tangible improvements for passengers rather than further delays and disruption.
During the visit, Gregory also toured Haslemere’s traditional signal box - one of the few still in operation in the area - and was pleased to meet one of the signallers to hear first-hand about how the system works.
He also raised the proposals for a new rail-bus link between Bordon and Liphook, and confirmed he will be meeting with SWR again soon to discuss the project further. Local residents are invited to share their views by completing Gregory’s ongoing rail-bus link survey.
