Winchester's MP has criticised the recent timetable changes to the services from Micheldever.

Steve Brine MP described how the recently introduced reduction of South West Railway (SWR) serves had caused inconvenience for commuters.

The most popular service from Micheldever to London Waterloo at 7.31am has been removed from the timetable and the 7.03am has changed from a fast service to stopping at Basingstoke, Fleet, Farnborough and Woking.

Also, the return journey has reduced from two to one train per hour.

Steve Brine MP said: “We fought hard to keep a decent level of service for Micheldever so it’s really disappointing to see things parred back now. Lots of indication this is temporary and, yet another cost of Covid and the current isolation rules, but I fear we will have one hell of a job on our hands to get things back.

“These service cuts have real life impacts and, for some, mean the difference between seeing their young children or not during the working week. I am seeking urgent assurances from South Western Railway but can promise them I and the commuters feel very strongly about this.”

The timetable reductions started on January 17 due to the emergence of Omicron and staff shortages across SWR having led to unavoidable short-notice cancellations.

SWR’s Managing Director Claire Mann said: “The spread of the Omicron variant has had a significant impact on our railway, with fewer people using the train and staff shortages impacting on our ability to consistently deliver the current timetable.

“Having assessed demand and spoken to our industry colleagues, we believe this new timetable is the most effective means of ensuring our customers receive a reliable service, with short-notice cancellations minimised.

“Journey planners will be updated on a week-by-week basis, with updates taking place towards the end of each week. Customers should check their journey as close to their time of travel as possible.”

Core timetables are available through the SWR website, with journey planners set to be updated on a week-by-week basis.

Updates will take place towards the end of each week, so customers are advised to check before they travel.