More commuters have the chance to submit views over proposed cuts to the Thameslink rail service after the consultation was extended.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has pushed back the end of the consultation from today to September 14 following calls from rail users, including many from Streatham.

If the Wimbledon loop terminates at Blackfriars from 2018 then residents here will no longer be able to travel to Farringdon and beyond without changing trains.

A DfT spokeswoman said the extension was in view of public interest in the consultation.

Lambeth councillor Jeremy Clyne welcomed the decision, noting that a lot of people were only just learning about the plans and were clearly appalled.

Coun Clyne said: “It indicates that the department is taking this protest seriously.

“I may be over optimistic but it does show to me that the message is starting to get through.”

MP Chuka Umunna said: “I am incredibly pleased that the consultation period has now been extended.

"Far too many people who would suffer from this possible reduction in Thameslink services knew nothing about it until recently and many are still not aware."
 

You can email views to thameslink@dft.gsi.gov.uk or write to The Combined Franchise Replacement Sponsor, Department for Transport, Zone 3/15, Great Minister House, 33 Horseferry Road, SW1P 4DR.