Lib Dem councillor Gary Malcolm, Labour councillor Kate Crawford joined forces with other local groups prevent the local train service to Paddington from having half of its peak time trains cut.

The reductions in First Great Western trains will start on 12th December when the new timetable comes into affect. Cllrs Malcolm and Crawford were at the station to measure the number of passengers using the station so the usage “before timetable changes” can be compared with the “post timetable changes”.

Three of the groups in the alliance are EPTUG (Ealing Passenger Transport Users Group), LTUC (London Transport Users Committee) and SaveActonMainline, which was set up when the threat of closure because of Crossrail became apparent.

Cllr Gary Malcolm said: “I live within 5 minutes of the Acton Mainline station, so I know this station is used by lots of people going to Ealing and to Paddington. Lib Dems think that rail companies should not be allowed to treat the residents of Acton like this.”

Gary added: “If there is any chance to reverse the timetable changes then it will have been worth getting up early in the cold morning.”

First Group's First Great Western Link took over the local Ealing franchise from Thames Trains recently. They are planning to cut peak hour services in the new December timetable at 4 local London stations in half ( from 4 to 2 ): Acton Main Line, Southall, Hanwell ( all in Ealing ) and Hayes & Harlington ( in Hillingdon ). They are also planning to cut the last train from Paddington from 23.55 to 23.08, making late night travel impossible. 

The Lib Dems informed residents of the proposed cuts about 6 weeks ago. Feedback from returned forms was 90% in favour of keeping the four trains per peak hour. One comment was: “…the trains are vital for me to get into London for work. There should be more trains not less!”