NO CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR WELSH TRAIN USERS - WILLOTT

2.16.40pm GMT Mon 30th Nov 2009

Cardiff Central's Welsh Liberal Democrat MP Jenny Willott has hit out at plans to carry out engineering work on the London to South Wales route, which will put the line out of action from Christmas Eve to 3rd January.

Passengers will be forced on to bus replacement services for the duration of the work, which will take place on five routes across the UK.

Commenting, Jenny Willott said:

"This news is a kick in the teeth for people in South Wales. Many who had planned to visit friends or relatives over the Christmas period will now be having second thoughts, and those who still have to travel for work will be deeply inconvenienced.

"We all know that engineering works need to take place, and it is always difficult to find the right time not to inconvenience people, but this really will put a spanner in the works for many people's plans over Christmas.

"Network Rail need to start thinking about the people who use the service, and ensure that this kind of work doesn't ruin people's plans.

"It's a good job Father Christmas doesn't have to rely on Network Rail, or he would have to use a sleigh replacement service on Christmas Eve."