THE sons and daughters of a group of rail protesters have joined the fight to save Ashwell and Morden s fast train service into London. Protesters say First Capital Connect s decision to cut the 7.03am service will affect the many commuters who use it –

THE sons and daughters of a group of rail protesters have joined the fight to save Ashwell and Morden's fast train service into London.

Protesters say First Capital Connect's decision to cut the 7.03am service will affect the many commuters who use it - and deprive their children of valuable time with their parents.

Last week some of the male campaigners, wearing only socks, shoes, and bowlers hats, and with only newspapers to cover their modesty, staged a protest at the station.

And this week commuter Sarah Duckett said: "This is a traumatic situation that is going to affect the lives of a lot of people, not just the commuters.

"A lot of us have young children and it's vital that we spend time with them in the morning and evening.

"Adding extra time to our journeys will mean less time with our families - and time with them is precious."

The children gathered at Ashwell and Morden Station this week with their very own pint-sized placards with the message "Save Our Fast Trains please".

One of the commuters children, six-year-old Emily Wallis, even sent her own personal note to FCC rail chief Elaine Holt, telling of her sadness at spending less time with her mum.

She said: "I like to see Mummy in the morning. But now I'll still be asleep when she goes to work."

Sally Fletcher, an Ashwell and Morden commuter and one of the campaign's organisers said: "Losing our fast train service will have a real impact on family life.

"We need more fast services to and from London, not less."

The time table re-shuffle will come into effect for commuters on Monday.

Campaigners also delivered a petition to Mrs Holt, with more than 1,500 signatures.

Organisers of the petition were supported by North East Herts MP Oliver Heald, who is also urging the company to restore the fast morning service.

- Cllr Ian Knighton and Ashwell Cllr Andrew Young will meet North Herts District Council and appeal to First Capital Connect to reconsider the changes.

They will also look to ensure that there is no further reduction in the timetables, and that all future service changes throughout the North Herts area are implemented after fully consulting all users and representatives bodies.