This was the response I got from Jim Dowd MP end of October. Glad that he is on the case, particularly when he is not well himself.


Thank you for your e-mail regarding the decisions to withdraw the off-peak direct service from Charing Cross to Forest Hill and Sydenham from December and reduce off peak and evening peak services on the line from May 2010. I am most concerned about these and have made representations to the Secretary of State for Transport, Southern Trains, Network Rail and the Office of the Rail Regulator. I apologise that you have not had a detailed reply sooner but I am currently recovering from a major operation which has caused some inevitable delays.

Having campaigned for the introduction of the East London Line extension (London Overground) over the past 35 years I am delighted that it is due to commence operation next year. This will be a major boost to travel options in our area and a real benefit to commuters - already London Overground have taken over the stations along the route. However, I fully understand the genuine concerns many local people have about reductions in Southern rail services. I have highlighted this issue in my 2009 Parliamentary Report, recently delivered to constituents, and have met representatives of the Sydenham and Forest Hill Societies to discuss their specific concerns.

Last week I joined Sir Steve Bullock (Mayor of Lewisham), Len Duvall (Lewisham and Greenwich GLA Assembly Member), Lewisham Councillors of all Parties and local residents groups in signing an open letter to the South London Press and Sadiq Khan (Transport Minister) urging him to meet us on behalf of local rail travellers.

I hope that this is helpful and should I obtain further information, I will contact you again.