MP's concern over heat on trains

ROYSTON S MP Oliver Heald is concerned about the heat on commuter trains during the summer. Mr Heald said: I am worried about engineering works and high temperatures on our trains, and am continuing to have discussions with First Capital Connect about w

ROYSTON'S MP Oliver Heald is concerned about the heat on commuter trains during the summer.

Mr Heald said: "I am worried about engineering works and high temperatures on our trains, and am continuing to have discussions with First Capital Connect about what can be done to make life easier for commuters in the summer months."

Commuters using Royston station are set to benefit from Government investment in the national rail network.

Mr Heald wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport Ruth Kelly to ask if she would make a statement, following the decision of the Office of the Rail Regulator to lengthen platforms at Royston, and upgrade power supplies.

And Tom Harris, a junior minister in the Department for Transport, has since replied.

Mr Harris said: "Passengers at Royston will be among the many who will benefit from our widespread investment in the railways.

"Improving the power supply between Cambridge and King's Cross, and lengthening the platforms at Royston and other stations, will enable longer trains to operate, meeting the peak demand."

Mr Heald said: "For many years I have been pressing for platform lengthening at Royston, and power upgrades on the line, so that we can have an improved service, which meets the growing peak demand on our line.

"I am pleased that the decisions of the Office of the Rail Regulator mean that platform lengthening and power upgrades will go ahead.