Watford’s MP met with the rail minister to demand vast improvements of Watford's rail links.

Richard Harrington met Claire Perry MP to discuss the renewal of the franchise for the West Coast Main Line, which runs out next year.

He said: “The whole time I have been the MP, I have been raising serious concerns with London Midland about the service we receive, and now we have the chance to get a better deal down on paper.

"When the new conditions are set for the franchise of this line I want to see several long-term concrete commitments to improve service.”

Richard will be laying out what Watford’s commuters would like to see change in a formal letter to the Department for Transport.

This will include a demand for a front-and-centre commitment to the Abbey Line with the installation of a Passing Loop so that more than one train can run every hour, a commitment to hire more drivers and for London Midland to invest in rolling stock across their lines.

At their meeting, the trains minister recognised the problems and the assured Richard of the DfT’s commitment to improvements over the next franchise period.

Richard went on to raise the matter of the complete redevelopment of Watford Junction station, citing problems with parking, overcrowding and access to the platforms.

Footfall will only grow at the station, as the Met Line is connected to the Junction and when Crossrail is connected to Watford, making these works are even more necessary.

Richard re-affirmed his support for saving Watford Met, saying that Watford Station should remain open after the Croxley Rail Link is completed, as Watford will need two, rather than just one, terminating stations as a result of all these new transport links.

Commenting on the meeting, Richard said: “It was very productive and I feel confident our concerns are being heard at the highest levels.

"I look forward to continuing this campaign with my formal submission ahead of the franchise negotiations, which I will be sharing publicly.”