The Brighton and Hove Older People's Council (OPC) is continuing its campaign to stop the Strategic Rail Authority's (SRA) proposed closure of the Brighton-to-Watford train service to "improve" Brighton mainline services.

The Watford service is vital to many older people as it provides a means of travelling to the Midlands, the North and Scotland without the need to cross London and change stations.

Although supported by two MPs, we have still not been able to meet SRA officials face to face.

The Brighton and Hove's environment committee, when asked to comment on the SRA proposals, expressed "no particularly strong views" despite, in the following paragraph, its enthusiastic backing for a Reading-to-Brighton service.

We have asked our concerns to be brought to the committee's attention and hopefully, it will support our stand and inform the SRA of it.

The two most recent letters from the SRA raise two important points.

The letter sent to former Pavilion MP David Lepper stated the service "was introduced as a commercial initiative by Connex... and did not form part of the contracted service" with the SRA, so Southern Railways had no "contractual obligations" to run the service when it took over from Connex. The Watford service is thus being treated as a second class service by the SRA.

However, a different letter sent to the OPC states: "We are working to ensure that if the proposal were implemented, the change of trains at Clapham Junction would be made as easy and safe as possible for all passengers."

But at Clapham Junction, the stairs are cramped and crowded and there are no public lifts.

A new SRA consultation document, Railways For All, looks at the problems facing disabled people who use the railways and suggests ways to overcome them. Their solutions include "fully step-free access" to stations, suggesting there will be ruther investment.

The OPC plans to submit comments in response to Railways For All. If there are any disabled or elderly people who have experienced difficulties when travelling by train and using Clapham Junction

Station, could they call OPC on 01273 296427 and leave a message.

-Bob Gunnell Vice Chair, Brighton and Hove Older People's Council