The chaos on the Southern Rail network has reminded us all just how important our rail links are to Watford.

So I’m pleased that after weeks of campaigning Southern are reinstating four services from Watford to Clapham.

Four trains is nowhere near an acceptable level of service, but it’s a step in the right direction. I will continue lobbying to restore the full timetable as soon as possible.

It might not seem it in a week dominated by strikes and cancellations, but train travel is getting more and more popular.

The Metropolitan Line Extension will also soon take thousands of new passengers to and from Watford every day.

With passenger numbers on the rise, we need to plan ahead to ensure Watford Junction is fit for purpose.

At present, Watford Junction has serious problems. The concourse and subway are too small, there’s only one entrance, and getting out of the car park can be difficult.

That’s why I’m bringing together a group of key partners to transform Watford Junction into an impressive gateway to our town with enough space to cope with increasing passenger numbers.

Working with London Midland, Network Rail, Herts County Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership and investment partners, exciting plans are now starting to come together.

These include a wide footbridge which will improve capacity and offer an alternative to the subway.

We also want to open up access to the rear of the station to provide new entrances via Colonial Way and off St Albans Road.

This should help ease congestion at the front of the station and provide an alternative entrance to the car park.

As you can imagine, these kinds of improvements don’t happen overnight. As with all major projects they require funding – in this case through developing land around the station for offices and housing.

But I am hopeful that work will begin soon on modernising the station and improving access, whether you’re arriving by bus, on foot, by taxi or in your own car.

We’ll be asking for your opinions later this month, so keep an eye on www.watford.gov.uk and let us know your thoughts on this exciting project.