CAMPAIGNERS in Kent have only a few days left in their bid to save their rail services (Lee Winter writes).

The deadline for consultation on proposals from the Strategic Rail Authority for the Integrated Kent Franchise is April 23.

Maidstone council, Tonbridge and Malling council and Kent County Council are urging residents to comment on proposals that could see a dramatic fall in services, particularly those to rural stations.

Maidstone council deputy chief executive Trevor Gasson said: “We have had helpful and thorough discussions with the SRA but it is now crunch time on whether they take what we say on board.

“Maidstone has a vibrant town centre and we want it to continue to be the premier town in the county. If it hasn’t got good access by train, with fast services to and from London, it will damage its vitality.

“If what they are proposing for rural stations comes to bear, they will cease to be effective stations as there will be too few trains to run a service.”

The council has placed a 100-year old rail trolley in Maidstone High Street to highlight the issue. It was once used by navvies carrying out repairs across Kent.

Cllr Malcolm Robertson (Lib Dem), portfolio holder for the environment and transport, said the trolley had been faster than the current Maidstone East service.

He said: “I think it is quite appropriate we should have the cart there. If we had trains that matched its speed into London one of our key demands would be met.”

The council hopes to use the trolley, on display until April 20, as a way of getting as many people as possible to respond to the consultation. Posters will direct people to the Town Hall to sign petitions.

KCC recommends a county council member should serve on the board of the company chosen to run future services, to speak up for all rail passengers countywide.

KCC's cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Alex King (Con) said: “At the moment Kent has arguably the worst train services in the country. They are being reviewed for the first time in 40 years and we must grasp this opportunity to make things better.”

Ron Green, editor of the Kent Messenger, said: "If rail services were improved it would help the area to prosper and fewer people would go by car. Cuts to off-peak services threaten to have a devastating impact."

All responses should be sent to Jackie Nixon, SRA, 55 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EH or e-mail ikfresponses @sra.gov.uk