MP for Hertsmere Oliver Dowden met with Govia Thameslink’s Passenger Service to raise concerns over recent disruptions.

Mr Dowden met with Stuart Cheshire, from Thameslink, in Parliament after a series of disruptions to the Thameslink line caused anger for commuters.

Mr Cheshire acknowledged that the service delivered to Hertsmere residents has not been at the level they would like.

Mr Dowden said: “As a commuter who relies on the service myself I know only too well how much disruption and inconvenience has been caused by the recent spike of cancellations and delays on the Thameslink service.

“The service offered to many of my constituents has been inadequate for a long time but over the past month the service has deteriorated further.”

According to the meeting, Thameslink are looking to hire an extra 69 drivers between now and Easter and roughly 6-16 new drivers every month will be on board.

In the New Year, Govia Thameslink will also be introducing its new fleet of 12 carriage trains and Mr Cheshire also said that there would be changes to the timetable to even out the service.

Mr Dowden said: "I was pleased with the reassurances I received on increased staff numbers, the introduction of new trains and changes to the timetable to even out the service.

“I am also keen that a clear plan is developed to increase capacity at Elstree and Borehamwood station, and have said I will do everything I can to help secure the funding for this.”

According to Roger Perkins from Thameslink, the new timetable will be more reliable which should help all Thameslink trains.

Mr Perkins said: “We were glad to meet with Dowden and explain how hard we are working to improve Thameslink services for our passengers.

“Our driver recruitment programme is indeed the biggest in the UK and we are working as fast as we can, employing more trainers and leasing more classrooms, to bring in new staff as quickly as possible.

“Our new trains enter service in the spring and are indeed more spacious with wide open gangways,” Mr Perkins said.

Mr Dowden is urging constituents to attend the public meetings that he will host.