And has Jim Dowd made official representation on our behalf in the H of C? That all kicks off again next week- let that be his first achievement of the new parliamentary term!

I have sent a message to Network Rail as follows:

I understand that the decision that direct services in the evening between Forest Hill and Charing Cross should be withdrawn with effect from this coming December was taken by Network Rail. If so, can you please explain to me the reason for this significant deterioration in our services - or at least tell me where I can find such an explanation?

I have also emailed Jim Dowd, as follows:

Dear Mr Dowd

I am very concerned about the planned withdrawal from December of direct trains in the evening between Forest Hill and Charing Cross. This will make getting home from the West End after an outing to the theatre etc a lot more complicated, inconvenient and uncomfortable than it is at present. I have written to Network Rail (who I understand actually took the decision to cancel Southern's slots at Charing Cross) for an explanation. Meanwhile I hope you will do all you can to get this decision reversed.

Best wishes

Robin Orton

Other thing being equal, I will post any replies I get here.