The Haslemere & District Chamber of Trade & Commerce has responded to South Western Railways (SWR) proposal to reduce peak time trains from Farncombe, Godalming and Haslemere from 4 an hour to 3.
Chamber President Craig McGowan said: “Haslemere’s fast and efficient rail links are one of the reasons why it’s a great place to do business and we urge SWR to rethink plans to reduce much-needed services. It is clear that demand will rise as more people return to the workplace – both by choice and at the insistence of their employers. Young people at the very start of their careers may be disproportionately affected as they have fewer options about home or remote working. Fewer trains from Liphook, Liss and beyond will also increase the amount of traffic coming into Haslemere as people are forced to use Haslemere station rather than their local stop. Consideration should also be given to our local leisure economy. Now that visitor numbers are on the increase, it is more important than ever that people have easy, rapid and sustainable transport options to bring them to our lovely town at the gateway to the South Downs.”
SWR is looking for feedback on these proposals as part of a wider consultation which finishes on 19th September.