Following Nicholas Soames’s complaints this morning to Southern Railway the Deputy Managing Director has sent him a statement which is to receive broader distribution.

 

David Scorey said; “Please pass on our apologies to your constituents who were affected by train cancellations this morning when we had a problem with short notice sickness of train crew.  This should have been covered by releasing drivers from planned two-day training courses on the changes to the track and signalling at London Bridge in advance of the revised layout and timetable from 5 January 2015.  Whilst we have sufficient train crew to cover the service and these briefings, if there is a spike in short notice sickness as was the case this morning we should divert drivers from the briefings to avoid cancellations.  This morning this did not happen quickly enough and we are reviewing this process to find out why and to ensure it happens faster in future.”

 

Commenting on the statement Nicholas Soames said; “There are things that are outwith the control of Southern Railway, but the delays today were caused by a serious failure of management and leadership which must be put right. If this happens again I intend to raise the whole operation of this line with the Rail Minister, Claire Perry MP, and if necessary seek time in the House of Commons to have a debate.

 

“East Grinstead commuters pay a huge sum of money at present for an inadequate service - they are entitled to much better.”