A meeting about the proposed new South Western Railway timetable ended last night with a demand from those present that train company bosses should come and face them in Weymouth.

The public meeting held at the Safewise Centre in the town was attended by around 45 people concerned about the changes that the rail company wants to introduce in it’s new timetable on the Weymouth to Waterloo service.

The meeting heard that the SWR had run consultation meetings, however, none in areas where the cuts and changes to the timetable would be most affected. The nearest meeting was held in Bournemouth but none have been held in areas west of Poole.

Dorchester-based activist Claudia Sorin who chaired the meeting was asked by those at the meeting to write to the rail company and insist on a public meeting in the Weymouth before the cut off date of December 22.

Former managing director of South West Trains, Stewart Palmer, who lives in Dorchester, pointed out many key points in the proposed timetable that were of concern to many rail users. He had responded to the consultation saying, “These proposals offer a worse service for Dorchester rail users to the places they actually want to go to.”

Councillor Nigel Bundy, who represents Crossways, said at the meeting that he was annoyed to find out today that the County Council committee had just voted for the new timetable.

He said “The proposed changes in the timetable would have an adverse impact on services. This will not encourage visitors and would be a direct threat to Dorset communities.”

Proposed changes mean users of the Weymouth to Waterloo service will lose one train per hour to and from Southampton Airport, Winchester and Waterloo and lose a through train to Basingstoke and Clapham Junction.

Weymouth & Portland Borough Councillor Paul Kimber has also expressed concerns about the proposed changes saying, “Upwey station will lose the through service to Waterloo. And if the station is not used by customers this will threaten the future of Upwey station.”

An impassioned plea was echoed by all the speakers for Dorset train users to make sure that they have commented on the timetable on the SWR website and also send copies of emails to their local councillors and MPs.