RAIL users in mid-Kent concerned about the future of train services will have an opportunity next week to get their opinion heard.

Kent-Maidstone Local Board, a new forum set up by Kent County Council to discuss issues affecting the borough of Maidstone, is to hold a special meeting on Thursday, March 4.

It will discuss controversial proposals set out in a consultation document from the Strategic Rail Authority on the new Integrated Kent Franchise.

The meeting, at 5pm in the Waterton Lee Room at Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone, will help KCC form its final response to the SRA's plans.

Senior officers and cabinet members from KCC and Maidstone council will lead the discussion with questions taken from members of the public.

Cllr Paulina Stockell (Con), who will chair the meeting said: "We really felt it is important to get the views of the local board, parish councils and the public into the process.

"We hope that the views from the meeting will help persuade the SRA to think again by showing how hard the plans in their current form will hit borough commuters and residents.

"Maidstone, as the county town, should be a major station and not treated as a branch line, especially at a time when the redevelopment of Maidstone East station is coming on stream.

"If people are putting money into such schemes in the hope that its going to be a main hub then seeing Maidstone sidelined doesn't create confidence.

"The future of rural services is of even more concern. They should be increasing not cutting these services. We hope we can persuade them to think again."

The SRA is still consulting on its proposals with various stakeholders including KCC, district councils, MP's and passenger groups.

The deadline for comments on its proposals is April 23 with plans to have the new franchise for Kent in place by early 2005. Timetable changes would not come into force until the final stretch of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link opens for business in 2007.