Sir,

I totally agree with Neil Westerman that we should NOW be rattling cages (or should it be carriages) in Cardiff, as Arriva have withdrawn from the bidding for the new franchise for our line, and we shall have a new provider.

I have had an interest in railways since my young days, having been brought up near the main line to the north where smoke belching, whistle screaming ‘iron horses’ thundered through the stations at unbelievable speeds. Even when I was commuting daily to London in the ’50s and ’60s (initially by steam train), the rolling stock may not have been new, but it was nearly always, far more user friendly, warm and very comfortable, more than can be said about the stock we are sent these days.

Having watched the stock on our local line deteriorate over these past few years and having used the local line eight times in the last few months, you never know what’s going to turn up. Toilets! Don’t go there.

I believe the situation got worse a few years ago when Fishguard was granted more frequent and better trains. You will not be surprised therefore to learn that Fishguard have one direct daily service to Manchester, Milford Haven six and us? None. You may not wish to go to Manchester, but it takes you direct to some of the main interchanges (such as Crewe), where you can get just about anywhere in the UK.

We are denied that. Why? What are our AMs doing? And even our MPs. It’s up to us to get them to do something now before the new provider signs up, so please make your feelings known to the AM s etc.

The alternative? To form a company and run it ourselves! I have had a day’s training to be a driver, anyone want to be a guard? (flags provided )

Best wishes for Christmas, and better travelling conditions in future.

David Glennerster,

Penally.