A petition demanding TfL and Network Rail improve the District line service between Richmond and Turnham Green gains traction as situation becomes "intolerable."

The petition, started by Steve Harding on change.org, has over 1,500 signatures and is on track to reach his goal of 2,500.

Harding argues that residents have not been able to enjoy the District line and Overground services from Richmond due to repeated signalling faults.

Steve Harding says: "For many years commuters using the District and Overground lines from Richmond have been plagued with an unreliable service to and from Turnham Green & Gunnersbury.

"This happens with no notice, normally at peak times and nearly always due to a signalling fault.

"Despite many travellers complaining to TFL, Network Rail etc. no improvement in service or explanation has been forthcoming."

Also, he believes the lack of reliability on the line has affected people's personal and professional lives.

Recently the District line and Overground services from Richmond Station have been experincing delays (credit: Cesar Medina).

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Harding adds: "This intolerable situation is significantly impacting peoples professional and personal lives and as there is no timely alternative public transport options, the cause must be urgently identified and a recovery plan introduced by TFL & Network Rail. 

"The same day as this petition was launched, the local Member of Parliament Sarah Olney, included this subject within her weekly newsletter to her constituents.

"Together with our London Assembly Member Gareth Roberts, they have requested the Mayor of London update them on this subject.

"Therefore the higher number of people who support and sign this position, the more chance we have of enjoying a reliable train service from our local stations." 

In response to Olney and Robert's letter, Laurence Bowman, route director for Network Rail Anglia, said: "We're sorry that services have been disrupted on the Richmond branch line in the recent weeks affecting Overground and District line passengers. This has been caused by a spike in track and signal failures in this complex and busy area of the network as well as train fleet issues.

"We are working with TfL and train operators to improve the service our passengers deserve by fixing faults more quickly and removing track defects, with a long-term plan to improve how we control services and replace track and signalling."

To find out more about the petition, click here.

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