As the country slowly emerges from its Covid lockdown, it is essential for the local economy, taxpayers and the environment, that we get people back on the train.

Dorset has a great opportunity to benefit from the “staycation” this summer in a way that minimises the issues of road congestion and parking chaos.

Clearly nobody has told South Western Railway!

A quick study of the timetable to operate from May shows that there will only be one train per hour to and from Bournemouth, Southampton and London.

The first train to London will not arrive until 09.53 and the last train will leave from Waterloo at 20.35.

Many people want to use the train, but will only do so if the service being offered is a real alternative to the car.

Come on South Western Railway, get your act together to support a green economic recovery.

STEWART PALMER

Poundbury