KENT MPs have met with transport minister Derek Twigg to urge him to ensure key local rail services are safeguarded and fare rises kept to a minimum when a new private rail operator takes on the job of running the county’s trains.

A delegation of four Conservative MPs, along with local council officials from Maidstone, pressed the minister to raise concerns about possible cuts in key local services when the new franchise is awarded. The delegation was led by Maidstone MP Ann Widdecombe.

Sir John Stanley, Tonbridge and Malling MP, said he feared money raised by steep fare increases would, under the franchise, be allowed to subsidise Channel Tunnel rail link services.

He said: "Fares are set to rise three per cent above inflation each year for the first five years of the franchise and the franchise holder is allowed to cross-subsidise.

"I feel the domestic services that will run on the CTRL are a unique piece of national infrastucture and that being the case, the money should not come from increasing fares for people in Kent."

Faversham and Mid Kent MP Hugh Robertson urged the minister to retain the existing services to Hollingbourne, Harrietsham and Lenham. "This was an extremely valuable opportunity to put our case directly to the minister," he said.

Ashford MP Damian Green took the chance to highlight how reduced services from Chilham, Pluckley and Charing would impact on regular rail commuters. He also told the minister that cutting trains at a time when more people were expected to live in the Ashford area was "perverse".

He also called for a direct service between Ashford and Gatwick, saying it would be a wasted opportunity if the new franchise failed to deliver a link.

The MPs say they were encouraged by the minister’s willingness to listen to their concerns.