Train services in Harlow are safe

After receiving many calls and emails about the question mark over the future of train services from Harlow Town, Harlow Mill, and Roydon train stations, I decided to meet with the new rail operator Abellio - which is to take over the West Anglia mainline service.

I raised a number of concerns and issues when I met Abellio, and strongly urged the company to safeguard services in the area. They assured me that under their management, train services will be 100% PROTECTED from cuts.

This will be a welcome relief for the many commuters who use local trains, especially those who get into and out of London every day.

I was delighted to receive assurances from Abellio regarding the level of services and they told me that after 2014 - if they are successful in winning the next contract - they will actually look at INCREASING train services to Harlow, to ease congestion at rush-hour.

This is something that I hugely support. If this goes ahead, there could be as many as four fast Stansted Express trains to Harlow an hour, as opposed to the current level of two.

I also raised the issue of the current state of Harlow Town, Harlow Mill and Roydon stations. To their credit, Abeillo agreed to look at undertaking some redecoration work at the stations - including repainting, and small improvements such as a rain-shelter at Roydon.

The firm has also pledged firmly to keep Roydon and Harlow Mill stations OPEN. In fact it agreed to hire 100 additional security staff - many of whom will patrol the trains passing through Harlow and the villages.

Finally, I also urged the company to look seriously at helping the small businesses that depend on our railways - such as the shop in Harlow Town Station. They have agreed to visit the stations with me in the coming months, to see if anything can be done to help boost trade.