Kent MPs have pressed rail minister to intervene on controversial changes to some Southeastern services that have prompted a backlash from commuters.

A delegation met rail minister Joe Johnson as well as Southeastern representatives to outline their concerns over timetable changes they fear could leave passengers on some parts of the network without the service they currently use.

Faversham and Mid Kent Helen Whately said after the meeting that Southeastern had agreed to review the impact of the timetable changes on Kent which come into effect on May 20.

She tweeted: “Rail Minister left in no doubt that Kent MPs are unhappy about slower journeys & later trains in meeting today. Officials to review impact of new @Se_Railway timetable on Kent

Some of the changes are being introduced as a result of services provided by other operators. Southeastern says the new timetable will overall mean more frequent services and new journey opportunities from some stations.

However, one timetable change will see a direct service to London Victoria on the Maidstone East line scrapped.

It will mean the loss of train from Maidstone East and nearby villages such as Lenham, Barming, and East Malling which arrives at Victoria between 8am and 9am.

Ashford MP Damian Green said he had raised concerns about over-crowded high speed trains at peak times and worries that longer term, that situation could worsen.

He also raised concerns that consultation on changes had passed people by.

Under the timetable changes, services from Ashford at 7.44am and 8.16am will now double in length from six to 12 carriages, adding 698 extra peak-time seats to St Pancras.

Mr Green said: “In Ashford, one of the pressures has been on the capacity of High Speed 1. There are people who are standing all the way from Ashford to London and one of the things we have pressed for is for services at peak time to be increased from six to 12 carriages.”

The higher premium paid for high speed services meant there was an expectation from customers that they could get a seat.

“People are prepared to put up with higher fares but only if there is enough capacity. With population growth in places like Folkestone, longer trains will be needed long term.”

Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately, speaking on the issue last month, said: “Commuters in Faversham and Mid Kent already have a tough ride on too many services: delays, long journey times, and out-of-date carriages.”

“That’s why I was dismayed when I saw the new timetables which will mean more crowding from the Maidstone villages, and longer journeys for commuters in Faversham.”

"The Maidstone East line already suffers from a higher cost-per-mile than similar journeys on other lines, and the peak time services are notorious for delays."

Maidstone and Weald MP Helen Grant also attended yesterday's meeting.

Southeastern was contacted for comment.