Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Government should review First Great Western franchise over train service cuts says AM

December 6, 2006 4:01 PM
Maesteg Railway Station

Peter Black, Jackie Radford and Martin Plant at a local railway station

The Government should review the First Great Western franchise so as to prevent them cutting services within Wales, the Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has said.

Mr. Black was speaking after raising the decision by First Great Western to axe the 5.18pm train from Cardiff to Swansea in the Assembly Chamber. He asked the Enterprise Minister why it was that franchise documents for the London to Edinburgh train service specifically prevent cuts north of the Scottish border but no such provision applies within Wales."

"The different treatment being meted out for franchises affecting Scotland and those relating to Wales is a disgrace," said Mr. Black. "If the First Great Western service from London to Swansea was operating under the same rules as those trains going to Edinburgh from the UK capital, then the company would not have been able to axe the 5.18pm train between Cardiff and Swansea."

"Ministers must work together to review the First Great Western franchise so as to ensure that safeguards relating to Scotland also apply to Wales. This railway company should not be allowed to treat Welsh commuters with such disdain."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you agree, Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal Democrats, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image