Commuters in Canterbury could be left with poorer rail services if plans by Boris Johnson to expand London’s transport services into Kent are given the go-ahead.

Canterbury and Whitstable MP Julian Brazier says his constituents could be adversely affected by the London Mayor’s proposals to take over some urban rail services which terminate in east Kent.

Under Mr Johnson’s plans, responsibility for stations and services in some areas in Kent would come under the remit of Transport for London.

Mr Brazier (below) says much of the opposition to Mr Johnson’s plans has come from MPs in west Kent, but that he himself has concerns over the move.

The Conservative says rail franchises could be put off bidding for a reduced east Kent service when Southeastern’s contract expires, saying stations such as Canterbury would be left as "stub ends".

As a result, it could mean commuters travelling into London from Canterbury and Whitstable being provided with poorer services compared to the rest of Kent.

He said: "While I’m a strong supporter of Boris Johnson’s fine work in London, this is a rare occasion where we won’t share the same view.

"I think it’s fair to say this is opposed by all Kent MPs, but the immediate coverage has been focused in west Kent, where the stations are closer to London.

"My concern is that if London controls these services it will make the franchise in east Kent much less attractive and mean we don’t get the best deal."

The Canterbury MP also added he was opposing the proposals because it would leave Canterbury commuters accountable to Transport for London.

On Monday, he met Transport Minister Stephen Hammond along with other parliamentary colleagues to lobby against rail devolution.

He added: "I’ve put my view to DfT Ministers and to Boris that a takeover of services by Transport for London would leave East Kent at the ‘stub end’ of the rail franchise.

"We all made our points vigourously to the minister and he listened politely.

"I look forward to what the Minister will have to say in the near future,"

Mr Brazier says he is expecting a response from the minister to his concerns within a month.

What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup.co.uk or write to 5-8 Boorman Way, Wraik Hill, Whitstable, CT5 3SE.