by Will Davies Angry passengers are circulating leaflets claiming reductions to a train service that is undergoing improvement works will soon become permanent. Bewildered Overground passengers connecting at Willesden junction expecting t

by Will Davies

Angry passengers are circulating leaflets claiming reductions to a train service that is undergoing improvement works will soon become permanent.

Bewildered Overground passengers connecting at Willesden junction expecting to travel to South Acton and on to Richmond have found their destinations changed mid journey, without forewarning or explanation, to Clapham Junction.

The leaflet that has been left on train seats on the service, claims that while the changes are being described as a 'temporary timetable' they will, in fact, become permanent.

An angry commuter at Willesden Junction, who asked not to be named, said: "Considering the money that passengers are forced to pay, it's a complete con."

The leaflet claims that the north London line change to three trains an hour were made without consultation or notice, adding that the service that was once one train every 10 minutes is now reduced to one every 20 minutes.

It also claims the author has spoken to a number of station staff who said that: 'This is currently being advertised as a 'temporary timetable' to gauge reaction and if there are not many objections, it will become permanent.'

The leaflet asks commuters to complain to Transport for London (TfL).

A TfL spokesman said: "We don't actually have to consult about service changes but we usually would within reason.

"This is a temporary one while Network Rail make the changes that will make the services better.

"Notice was given to councillors and newspapers as well as leafleting at stations in the run up to when the work started. Passenger information was also available from the website."

w.davies@archant.co.uk