As someone who commutes to work, like so many residents, Melissa knows the frustration caused by Southern’s and ThamesLink’s poor service.
So Melissa met with the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, to raise concerns on behalf of Carshalton residents.
Chris said: “I want to assure you that I share the very real concerns of those of you who use the Southern Rail network, and the effect of prolonged disruption to your lives on a daily basis.
“Paul Maynard, my new Rail Minister, and I have already met with Go-Ahead Group and Govia Thameslink Railway, and separately with Network Rail, to talk through the underlying problems on this rail network, the industrial relations dispute, and what needs to be done to improve the current situation. We want the operator to find a solution with the Trades Unions so the full timetable can be restored and delivered reliably, and passengers can plan their journeys with much needed certainty.
“This will remain a key priority until the issue is resolved. I want to thank Melissa for passing on the concerns of Carshalton residents. She and the local Conservatives have long been champions for commuters in the area, and she will make an excellent councillor.”
Melissa said: “I’m grateful to Chris for agreeing to meet me to hear the concerns of Carshalton residents. I am pleased that Carshalton station will benefit from this Conservative government’s £60m increase in the Access for All programme which includes the introduction of lifts and increased accessibility.
“If elected, I will work constructively with fellow councillors to push for further improvements to the local transport network.”
Leader of Sutton Conservatives, Councillor Tim Crowley, said: “I am pleased that the meeting went well between Melissa and the Secretary of State. Melissa has demonstrated, even as a candidate, that she is willing to work hard and able to get things done.
“If Melissa is elected then she will take over the transport brief and will make it her top priority that pressure is kept on both ministers and the companies to bring normality back to local rail services.”