I have received assurance from rail operator Abellio -which is to take over the West Anglia mainline service - that there will be no cuts to services.

I raised a number of concerns and issues when I met Abellio management, and urged the company to explore increasing services in the area in the future.They agreed to do this.

This is great news for the many commuters who use the local train services, using the stations at Harlow Town, Harlow Mill and Roydon, to get into and out of London every day.
I was delighted to receive assurances from Abellio regarding the level of services and they told me that after 2014 - if they successfully win the next contract - they will actually look at increasing train services to Harlow, to ease congestion at rush-hour.
If this goes ahead in the future there could be FOUR fast Stansted Express trains to Harlow an hour, as opposed to the current level of two.
I also raised the issue of the current state of Harlow Town, Harlow Mill and Roydon stations.
Abeillo agreed to look at undertaking some redecoration work at the stations -including repainting, and improvements such as a rain-shelter at Roydon.

The firm has also pledged to keep Roydon and Harlow Mill stations open. In fact it agreed to hire 100 additional security staff - many of whom will patrol the trains passing through Harlow and the villages.

I  also urged the company to do more to help the small businesses that depend on our railways - such as the shop in Harlow Town Station.

They have agreed to visit the stations with me and to see if anything canbe done to help boost trade.