RAIL users in Alton have reacted angrily to news that rail fares are likely to increase by around 6.2 per cent in January.

Although an increase in the regulated fares allowed by the Government was anticipated, the size of the hike has come as a shock to many – and an unexpected surge in the inflation rate (up from 2.8 per cent in June to 3.2 per cent in July) has been blamed.

South West Trains (SWT), which operates services the Alton to Waterloo line, said it would not make a decision on next year's fares until the autumn, but a dramatic increase is "likely".

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.