Protesters stood outside Blackheath station on Saturday 19th November against Southeastern’s proposed timetable changes.

The changes will mean passengers will not be able to get a direct service from Blackheath station to London Charing Cross during off-peak hours. Travellers will need to change at London Bridge. Many peak trains travelling to London Charing Cross will also be cut. Information on this can be found here https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/live-travel-information/december-timetables

In response, local MP Janet Daby and Blackheath Cllrs Juliet Campbell, Amanda de Ryk and Luke Warner started a petition for residents to sign. It will be presented to Southeastern before the timetable comes into effect on Sunday 11th December.

There has been widespread anger at Southeastern’s decision not to consult on these changes. Since the COVID-19 pandemic train operators have been given an exemption from the Department for Transport to consult on their timetable alterations.

On Saturday the campaigners came together to protest “Save Our Trains” outside Blackheath station.

Commenting on the “Save Our Trains” campaign Janet Daby MP said:

“I am receiving multiple emails every day from anxious residents over this new timetable.

These concerns range from not being able to get to work on time to older people’s ability to change trains at London Bridge and the safety of vulnerable people and girls travelling home at night.

For instance, one local resident has told me that she recently accepted a job commuting into west London for two days a week. Yet these timetable changes will greatly restrict her ability to get to work on time.

It is entirely unacceptable that these drastic changes have been made without any form of consultation. The Government should also accept blame for lifting the obligation for train companies to consult.

This is not right as local people deserve more respect than this. This is why I called for this protest today.”