WEAVER Vale MP Mike Hall has got behind our campaign to save the Hartford-to-London Virgin West Coast train commuter services.

Mr Hall has previously written to Virgin Trains' Chief Executive, Chris Green, a number of times.

Now he has written to Sir Richard Branson asking him to personally look into the matter and confirm or explain the plans for Hartford Station.

A letter has also been sent to Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment Transport and the Regions, John Prescott.

Again, this letter asks if Mr Prescott can look into the situation and pass on his comments to Mr Hall.

Speaking on the cancellation of services Mr Hall said: "This comes on top of a very poor service over a number of years and it is symptomatic of a bigger problem.

"What happens now is up to Virgin Trains and its negotiations with the Strategic Rail Authority.

"What we have to do is keep the pressure on Virgin to keep Hartford open as a West Coast Main Line station."