The Maidenhead MP has slammed the decision to stop direct trains to London from Marlow in anticipation of the introduction of Crossrail.

Theresa May MP has she is ‘considerably concerned’ after Network Rail and First Great Western agreed to pull direct trains to Paddington through Cookham and Furze Platt stations in May 2017.

Cookham Parish council were prompted to write to the MP outlining the ‘major problems’ this would cause commuters and launched a petition calling for an upgrade to the line to prevent the service being stopped altogether.

In a letter to the parish council, Mrs May stated: “Regrettably as things stand, the removal of through-services is still due to occur in 2017. However I assure you that I will continue to pursue this issue.

“If through services are removed then it is essential that the timetable is designed to allow convenient connections at Maidenhead from the Marlow branch.

“I have discussed this with Network Rail and GWR who have assured me of their intention to plan the timetables to allow good connections that do not significantly add to commuter’s journey times.”

The parish council have been campaigning for an electrification of the current line, but plans have been postponed as the Bourne End platform is unable to accommodate the 4 coach electric trains.

However the MP announced that improvements to Bourne End station were in the making, and although they would not allow the electrification of the line, the frequency of trains through the platform would be increased.

Mrs May continued: “I believe that Crossrail can bring benefits to Cookham, Crossrail will bring many improvements in connectivity by ensuring, for the first time, a through route from the Thames Valley to central London and beyond Canary Wharf.

“Opening up central London and the Docklands without the need to change trains will ensure greater convenience and take some of the pressure off the existing mainline services.”