Theresa May has met the new Chairman of Network Rail, Sir Peter Hendy, to discuss a variety of issues affecting train services in the Maidenhead constituency. Theresa used the meeting to press Network Rail on the progress of electrification of the Great Western line, and to highlight the important of fast services from Maidenhead and Twyford being protected. She also discussed the future of the Thames Valley branch lines serving Marlow and Henley, highlighting their importance to local residents.
Among the points raised by Theresa were:
- The performance of the Great Western line and the need to reduce delays and cancellations caused by infrastructure failure.
- The importance of fast and semi-fast services from Maidenhead and Twyford and the need for infrastructure improvements to protect these services in the longer term.
- The progress of the electrification of the Great Western main line.
- The future of the Thames Valley branch lines including the need for electrification and good connections at Maidenhead and Twyford if through-services to London are removed.
- The significance of Western Rail Access to Heathrow Airport.
- The need for better communication with residents affected by devegetation works, such as at Sonning Cutting, and more regular maintenance of trees and vegetation along the line.
Commenting, Theresa said: “This was a productive meeting in which I raised a number of issues of vital importance to the future of our train services. I emphasised the necessity of fast services to London being protected and the need for proper thought to be given to the branch lines.”
“I also highlighted commuters’ frustrations about delays and cancellations on the line and the need for ongoing action to respond quickly to signal failures and other problems when they occur. Network Rail will be in no doubt about the strength of feeling among local residents on these points.”
