Commuters have hit out at Southeastern after planned changes to train timetables were unveiled ahead of the reopening of London Bridge station.

Members of the Dartford Rail Travellers’ Association (DRTA) claim passengers catching the train face a “raw deal” if the amendments are implemented in full.

The rail operator has launched a timetable consultation for August, next year, when platforms 7, 8, and 9 reopen at London Bridge following upgrade works.

But platforms 1, 2 and 3 will close for construction work with trains to and from Cannon Street no longer able to stop at the station until January 2018.

Phil Rogers, who set up the DRTA with Mike Pellat, said the changes would mean fewer services in the morning and evening, longer journeys to London and further overcrowded trains.

He said the number of services to Cannon Street would reduce from 12 in 2014 to just four in 2016 and just six evening services instead of 10 two years ago.

Mr Rogers also warned journey times to Charing Cross in the morning would increase by five minutes on average and three minutes on the way home.

He said: “I can’t help but think that we have got a raw deal from these changes. We lose two trains in both the morning and evening services.”

He said there were more commuters than ever in Dartford; more houses were being built and Londoners were moving to the town after being priced out of the areas they grew up in – as he was back in 2001.

Mr Rogers added: “We face an extra 40 minutes a week on the train for those of us who travel into Charing Cross.

“Cannon Street users could find their trains more overcrowded than before, and larger intervals between each train service.”

Mr Rogers assessed services leaving from Dartford, Swanscombe, Greenhithe and Stone Crossing.

A Southeastern spokeswoman said any requests to amend the draft proposals were welcome to be put forward for consideration.

She said: “As part of the government-funded £6.5 billion Thameslink Programme we are making unavoidable changes to our timetables as a result of the ongoing works at London Bridge where we currently have a loss of 50% capacity at this station.

“We welcome responses from rail-user groups and all are forwarded to the Timetable Planning team for consideration.

“However, we cannot promise all requests for changes and amendments but all representations will be carefully considered.”

Comments must be submitted to Southeastern before the consultation closes on Friday, June 26. Draft timetables are available for download at www.southeasternrailway.co.uk.