LOCAL rail users are preparing to fight their corner this Monday during urgent talks with Stagecoach/South West Trains, called to try to address the escalating problem of collapsing timetables.

According to Alton Line Users' Association chairman Chris Campbell, rising anger among passengers using the Alton to Waterloo line looks set to rage out of hand following continuing reports of SWT's failure to run trains on time and of trains terminated short of destination.

He gave as an example the 19.33 Waterloo to Alton train which on Friday last was terminated at Farnham, while earlier in the week passengers were forced to leave the 21.00 at Farnham and to continue the journey to Bentley and Alton by taxi.

"It's just not good enough. It seems that whenever a train leaves 20 minutes late from Waterloo it does not make the end of the line but is terminated either at Woking, Aldershot or Farnham, adding considerably to the journey time. People have simply had enough," said Mr Campbell.

He feels the problem is all down to money. "Instead of picking up Railtrack penalties for running late, SWT is terminating trains short of destination," said Mr Campbell who believes the problem could be overcome if there was sufficient track between Farnham and Alton to enable trains to pass more easily.

"The fact is that the Bentley loop is not sufficient to ensure the smooth running of the service down to Alton. We need to reinstate more track in order to speed the service up. Some nights trains are taking up to 20 minutes to travel between Farnham and Alton because of the problems with passing," said Mr Campbell who believes those people travelling on the Waterloo to Alton line are currently suffering more delays than any other passengers using the line.

Chris Campbell and his fellow ALUA committee members are due to meet Stagecoach/SWT chiefs at their Blackfriars headquarters on Monday evening to try to clear the air.

"We have really got to get tough with them now - the service is simply not good enough, especially for regular commuters who are having to bear the brunt of the delays," said Mr Campbell.