BASINGSTOKE’s MP has joined a new group to focus on rail issues

Maria Miller has joined a new cross-party Parliamentary Group with other MPs representing constituencies along the Wessex Rail Route.

The purpose of the group is for MPs to work together to hold South Western Railway and Network Rail to account for performance on the mainline Wessex Route.

Mrs Miller said: “This new Parliamentary Group, with cross-party membership, will be a powerful addition to the existing work done to scrutinise performance by SWR and Network Rail, and together we will have an even stronger voice to call for the service improvements that commuters and other rail users rightly want to see.

“We will also be pressing for the full implementation of the Wessex Route Plan, including a flyover at Woking, to improve capacity on the mainline.”

“For the APPG’s next meeting, we plan to speak with Sir Michael Holden, who is leading an independent review of SWR and Network Rail, so that we can be clear on the steps being taken to improve performance and the passenger experience.”