SERVICES to Dorset's smaller railway stations must not be reduced, councils have said.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset councils have submitted a joint response to the South Western Railways timetable consultation.

The recently appointed operator is proposing to reduce journey times to London by downgrading services from stations including Upwey, Hamworthy, Parkstone, Branksome, Pokesdown, and Christchurch.

The joint response proposes an alternative timetable, operating throughout the day, six-and-a-half or seven days a week.

Lorna Carver, Dorset LEP director said rail services were vital to reducing traffic congestion in the conurbation.

"Businesses need good quality rail services and rail connectivity is an important factor in attracting inward investment," she said.

"The conurbation suffers from some of the worst traffic congestion in the country and rail has a significant role to play in addressing this issue and speeding up travel.

"Our proposals have a good fit with the Government’s recently released Industrial Strategy, particularly around improving infrastructure and place, as well as supporting our aspirations for enhanced sustainability and cleaner growth."

The three local transport authorities want rail travel to play a larger role in Dorset, for longer distance travel and also for shorter distance local trips such as commuting to work and education.

Campaigners, including rail passengers and Poole Labour Party, are fighting against the South Western proposals.

Julian McLaughlin, head of growth and infrastructure at Borough of Poole, said: "We believe our alternative proposal would deliver a better service for rail users and provide a boost to local rail travel opportunities within the South East Dorset conurbation.

"It addresses the concerns raised by our residents and almost all stations would see a better service, either in terms of faster journeys or more trains per hour or additional destinations.

"The Dorset area economy needs better rail services to provide attractive travel opportunities to support housing growth and give businesses the essential transport links they need to grow.

"Whilst there were some good ideas, we had a lot of concerns about the South Western Railway proposed timetable and the partners worked together to propose a viable alternative."