Commuters protest over rail cuts

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Rail commuters are to stage a protest against cuts to services between Bristol and South Wales.

Passengers successfully fought to keep morning services from Severn Tunnel Junction in Rogiet, Monmouthshire, to Bristol Temple Meads.

But First Great Western still decided to reduce evening return services.

Campaigners, who will stage a protest at Bristol on Monday, say up to 50 commuters going home after work will end up crowding onto one train.

"It's not just the local area," said campaigner Lucy-Jane Cypher.

'Best resources'

"There are people from the Forest of Dean and those who drive from Cardiff because it's cheaper and easier, to catch a train from Severn Tunnel Junction to Bristol.

"The catchment area is massive, that's the problem."

A spokesman for the train company said: "The new timetable represents the best use of our resources to benefit the maximum number of people.

"Earlier this year we conducted a major consultation on the draft of the new timetable.

"As a result of the comments we received, we were able to make numerous amendments to the timetable. This included the last minute change we made adding two stops at Severn Tunnel Junction station during the morning peak.

"However, regrettably it has not been possible to make every change and some people inevitably will be disappointed.

"We will look at the possibility of adding additional evening stops in future timetables."