MPs say they have been given assurances that 'senseless' cuts to train services that came into effect earlier this week will be reversed.

South Western Railways (SWR) introduced reduced services on Monday, claiming they were the result of staff absence caused by the Omicron variant of Covid.

However, critics say the real problem is a shortage of trains amid delays in the arrival of a new fleet of engines.

The Richmond Park MP, Sarah Olney, said: "I've already started receiving a high volume of emails from constituents who are struggling to go about their daily lives as a direct result of this senseless, ill-timed timetable brought in by South Western Railway."

The Twickenham MP, Munira Wilson, and Richmond Council leader, Gareth Roberts, held a meeting with senior management yesterday - Thursday.

Local residents have been particularly infuriated about cuts on the Shepperton branch, through Fulwell and Hampton, where services have been reduced to one train in each direction in to central London.

After the meeting, the MP said: "With the announcement that working from home guidance is being lifted, it's more important than ever that SWR does not slash its services in our area."

She said: "Their decision to cut services across the region is an affront to commuters who depend on these crucial transport links.

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"I have already been fighting plans to permanently reduce services, including the Hounslow Loop, from the end of this year. I previously warned the Government that if the Shepperton line were reduced any further "there would not be a service left".

"I'm pleased to say that on the 20th of January, Gareth Roberts - Leader of Richmond Council - and I met with SWR management to clarify the situation on the Shepperton Line, which my constituents in Hampton and Fulwell depend on."

Looking ahead, she said: "I obtained assurances from SWR that they would reinstate services as soon as staff absences due to Covid are reduced.

"I will keep up the pressure to ensure that this temporary service reduction is just that – temporary – so that local residents can get back to work and our economy can begin its post-pandemic recovery."

UPDATE

An SWR spokesperson said: "This week, we introduced a new temporary timetable which ensures reliability for our customers in light of staff shortages caused by the spread of Omicron.

"Staff availability continues to present significant challenges, but a slightly improving picture has meant we are able to reintroduce some services from this coming Monday.

"We will continue to closely monitor this situation and reintroduce further services where possible".

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