MP seeks assurances that train services will not be affected by industrial action

ROYSTON MP Oliver Heald is seeking assurances that rail services will not be interrupted by industrial action in the run up to Christmas. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Heald asked transport minister Chris Mole if he could reassure commuters usi

ROYSTON MP Oliver Heald is seeking assurances that rail services will not be interrupted by industrial action in the run up to Christmas.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Heald asked transport minister Chris Mole if he could reassure commuters using the Great Northern line, which runs through Royston and other stations in Crow country, that there will not be a "rolling series of disputes" in the coming weeks.

Mr Mole responded: "As has been made clear, the action is currently unofficial, and we have no intelligence that suggests that it is likely to spread."

Mr Heald's question was prompted by events of Sunday November 8, which saw all services on the line cancelled because no drivers were prepared to work overtime.

The North East Herts MP said: "Commuting is difficult enough anyway, the last thing we need is industrial action, particularly in the run up to Christmas. I did not find the Minister's 'we have no intelligence' very reassuring."

Earlier this week, South Cambs MP Andrew Lansley revealed he had written to the secretary of state for Transport, Lord Adonis, to complain about the "entirely inadequate" service offered on the Great Northern line during recent weeks.

Larry Heyman, from train operator First Capital Connect, told The Crow that the firm was due to meet with the drivers union, Aslef, in a bid to resolve a pay dispute which has caused these problems.