MP Demands Action over Waterloo Terminal

2.11.52pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 10th Oct 2005

Vincent Cable MP has an oral question on the Order Paper, on Tuesday, to Alistair Darling quizzing the Government over its plans for the Waterloo International Terminal. The old platforms, 16 to 21, are currently used for Eurostar reducing the number of platforms for SW Trains while a running line is reserved exclusively for Eurostar. When the Eurostar terminal moves to St Pancras there is the opportunity to restore the line and platforms for Windsor line services but the owners of the terminal (Railtrack) are pressing to use the site for a commercial development.

Vincent Cable said: "The restoration of the Eurostar terminal to our railway system would permit more and faster commuter services into Waterloo. At present lack of lines and platform space is the reason why so many trains crawl into Waterloo and why journey times are longer than in the past. It is absolutely scandalous that Railtrack were even allowed to consider selling off the terminal as a property asset and I want confirmation from Ministers that they are committed to using this unique opportunity to strengthen and improve the network."