BROMLEY RESIDENTS DESERVE A 1st CLASS RAIL SERVICE - ABBOTTS

12.01.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 13th Jun 2006

Local campaigner Ben Abbotts wants to know the views of Bromley commuters

Local Liberal Democrat Campaigner Ben Abbotts and Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary Alistair Carmichael MP have today launched a Rail Users' Survey outside Bromley South station.

Local volunteers for Ben's campaign for Bromley have been outside a majority of the stations that serve Bromley and Chislehurst between 7am and 9am this morning.

Ben is keen to find out the views of local commuters and the difficulties they face with the rail network. Station safety is a top priority for Ben in his campaign to tackle crime in Bromley.

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner Ben Abbotts said:

"Bromley residents deserve a First Class service. We pay a high price for our tickets yet too often we do not get the service we expect.

"I want to know what local commuters think about the rail services for Bromley. I want to know what their issues are as they travel to work, visit friends or go shopping.

"Many local residents have raised with me the issue of station safety. They have told me of their concerns about the lack of police at stations and on trains. They are also concerned about the level of lighting as they leave the station late at night.

"The Liberal Democrats on the Greater London Assembly have proposed an extra 104 British Transport Police Officers for both South Eastern and Southern Railway services.

"As Bromley's MP I will be a full-time MP committed to listening to local people. Too often politicians think they know what is best without actually listening too what local people have to say."

Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary Alistair Carmichael MP said:

"I'm delighted to be launching this Rail Survey with Ben. In Parliament he will champion the issues raised by local commuters. The Liberal Democrats are committed to providing safe, affordable and reliable public transport for all."

The survey is also available to complete online on Ben's website http://www.ben4bromley.org.uk/resources/index