Anna Sabine MP says constituents have been “left in the dark”, calling Old Oak Common disruption “unacceptable”

Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate today, Anna Sabine MP for Frome and East Somerset called the “hugely impactful” planned works for Old Oak Common station “totally unacceptable”. Addressing the works which are due to start in just a months time, she criticised the Government for the egregious lack of public consultation with councils, MPs, businesses and other interest groups only just being notified of the potential impact the works will have.

“This work is supposed to last for seven or more years which for us in Frome and East Somerset follows on from ten years of disruption to our rail services due to the electrification of the main line and the construction of the Elizabeth line.”

Speaking of the disruption which will be caused by the works and the inability for other existing lines like the South West railway, to cope with the huge added pressure that it will face Anna cited the massive impact this will have on people and businesses in the area.

“Furthermore many people and businesses relocated to places like Frome and East Somerset during Covid, partly based on that time of service and the regularity of service and they won’t have been made aware of these plans when they were making those decisions.”

“This will be a direct hit on the South West and Welsh economies, and will affect not only people now but far into the future as people adapt their investment and business decisions accordingly. We already have unreliable services with frankly rubbish wifi and mobile signal which hampers the ability to work on the train. “

Anna called out the Prime Minister’s for his lack of knowledge of the area when suggesting the Exeter line would be unaffected and urged the Government to implement measures to mitigate what will otherwise be a hugely impactful and potentially damaging effect these plans will have on the South West and it’s economy.