ACTIONS speak louder than words and that s exactly what the Ashwell and Morden Rail User Group are relying on. Commuters carried on their campaign for change by clogging up Letchworth GC station s car park with their cars on Monday. They risked the wrath

ACTIONS speak louder than words and that's exactly what the Ashwell and Morden Rail User Group are relying on.

Commuters carried on their campaign for change by clogging up Letchworth GC station's car park with their cars on Monday.

They risked the wrath of Letchworth commuters but felt they had no choice as their recent naked protest had failed to raise an eyebrow and their children's protest had done little to melt the hearts of First Capital Connect chiefs.

Tim Giles, one of the protesters, said: "We sincerely apologise to Letchworth commuters, but First Capital Connect has left us no choice. Many of us need to catch a fast train to London and the only way to do that now is to drive to Letchworth every day."

The commuters placed signs in their car windows stating, "We don't want to be here. Help save our fast trains."

They also gave out leaflets to Letchworth commuters explain-ing why they were there and asking them to support the 'Save Our Fast Trains' campaign.

Mr Giles added: "At a time when green issues are right at the top of the country's concerns, it's ludicrous that we have to drive away from our local stations and come to Letchworth, causing unnecessary pollution and congestion.

"We often hear talk of a joined-up transport policy, but here's a real example of a very untogether one."

Monday was the first day of the new timetable. Changes include the 06.45 from Cambridge which used to stop at both Ashwell and Morden (07.03) and Baldock (07.07), but which is now fast from Royston to Letchworth.

After one of the Rail User Group's organisers Sarah Duckett appealed to councillors for help at a recent council committee meeting, Cllr Ian Knighton put forward a motion, seconded by Cllr Andrew Young.

They want to urge First Capital Connect to reconsider the services in anticipation of further changes in other areas next year. They also want the full council to appeal to the company to ensure there are no further reductions and that future timetable changes throughout the North Herts area are not implemented unless all local users and bodies, including the council, are fully consulted.

At a North Hertfordshire District Council meeting on Thursday all councillors will vote on whether to urge the train company to reconsider morning changes.

A petition was also recently gathered by the Rail Users Group and handed to First Capital Connect's managing director Elaine Holt. It contained 1,500 signatures urging her to reconsider their decision about the service.

The group is still waiting to hear whether this has had any effect, but they are determined to continue their campaign for change.