POOLE Labour Party has launched a campaign to keep Poole's direct London trains.

South Western Railway is proposing to reduce the number of services stopping at Branksome, Hamworthy and Parkstone stations so as to provide more fast trains from Weymouth to London.

Passengers using those stations will have to change elsewhere, including Poole and Southampton, in order to get to the capital.

The idea, currently subject to consultation, has sparked opposition from commuters and councillors, and Poole Labour Party wants residents to share their views with the train firm.

The group says it believes the proposals have not been well publicised by the firm, and that its consultation "does not give the full details of what is proposed".

Katie Taylor, chairman of the local party, said: "This is a blatant money-saving move by the company which wants to make more profit at the expense of public services.

"And it raises the question, are there plans to close Hamworthy, Parkstone and Branksome stations altogether?

"Already, train fares are up 27 per cent since the Conservatives came to power."

Party members have been out distributing leaflets door-to-door and to commuters at the three stations, and they are also spreading their message via social media.

Keith Ulyatt, vice-chairman, said: "South Western Railway is asking people to email them with their thoughts about this proposal.

"We want people to email them and urge them not to continue with the cuts that they are proposing."

Rail passengers have until December 22, next Friday, to voice their opinions on the planned timetable changes, which would come into effect from December 2018.

South Western says it will perform a 12 month £50 million makeover on its trains on the Weymouth to Waterloo time, refurbishing the interior and installing power points by seats and new information displays.

Last week county councillors argued at a cabinet meeting that a faster rail service would be 'not worth it' if it meant trains would not stop at Hamworthy, as well as Upwey, Moreton and Holton Heath.

Purbeck councillor Peter Wharf said: "Purbeck District Council and West Dorset District Council are looking at putting 2,000 more homes in Moreton and Crossways over the next few years. The usage of trains is going to increase quite dramatically because of the amount of houses being built."