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No Southern trains in Tonbridge and Ashford during RMT Union strike

16:00, 25 April 2016

Southern's trains will not run from two busy Kent stations tomorrow and Wednesday due to strikes.

All Southern services on the lines between Tonbridge and Redhill, and Ashford International and Eastbourne via Hastings, will be cancelled.

Members of rail union RMT are striking over the removal of conductors from Southern trains, which they believe is dangerous.

Tonbridge Railway Station. Stock picture.
Tonbridge Railway Station. Stock picture.

Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said: “Let us be crystal clear – this dispute is about safety and the safety-critical role of the guards on Southern trains.

"The company, with an eye on ever-fatter profits, is prepared to axe the guards on some of the most overcrowded and potentially-dangerous services in Britain so that they can squeeze every last penny out of their passengers regardless of the consequences.

"That is a lethal gamble with safety in the name of profit and that is why we have been forced to take strike action.

Ashford International Station
Ashford International Station

"The consequences of removing guards, the human eyes and ears on that dangerous interface between crowded platforms and crowded trains, is blindingly obvious."

Other services outside the county, including in Sussex and London, will also be affected with many trains cancelled and a limited service running on many routes.

A statement on Southern's website says: "Queuing systems will be in place at many stations that are open so you may have a long wait before you are able to board a train. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee to get you to your destination."

Visit Southern's website for a full roundup.

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