On May 5th, the director of Railfuture East Anglia, the regional rail user group, came to Meldreth Station to meet with Susan and discuss our local rail campaign and how we might work together.  A number of issues were discussed, not just about Meldreth Station but also Shepreth and Foxton.  All three stations are well used and should have a good future, but we need to ensure that this potential is realized.

Meanwhile, parking woes continue, with Station Road, Foxton, particularly hard hit.   While there is a history of rail commuter parking there, the situation got worse when car park charges were introduced at Shepreth and Meldreth.   First Capital Connect offered a £1 per day charge at Meldreth for a three month period from March 30th, but this has had no significant effect on bringing commuters back into the car park and taking them off residential streets.  It seems that many of the commuters who use our three stations come from outside the area — some London commuters seem to be avoiding Royston, where the Station car park is simply too expensive.  Hence the overspill parking in our villages.

Other matters remain on the table.  Susan has written to Passenger Focus to ask for an update on their review of First Capital Connect’s problematic ticket machines, and we are in continuing contact with FCC on improvements to disabled access.   Thanks to everyone who has written in with local updates and concerns.