From this September train company Govia will be operating the Thameslink line, which runs through Hendon and Mill Hill Broadway stations. I took an early opportunity to meet Govia to discuss some of the issues that have been raised by residents, notably frequency of service, the introduction of new trains, step-free access at Mill Hill, and staff presence at stations.

Govia assured me that a number of 12-car trains will be introduced at Mill Hill; the older rolling stock will be replaced by newly-built Class 700 Siemens trains between 2016 and 2018; first-to-last staffing will be introduced at Mill Hill Broadway; there will be free Wi-Fi at both Hendon and Mill Hill Broadway stations; and real time information on all trains and Tube services from 2016. This is good news for local people and I will monitor progress to ensure these plans come to fruition.

I also pressed the case for step-free access at Mill Hill Broadway station and an ‘in principal’ agreement was given by the company. As the MP I will continue to take the lead on this matter and to pressurise the department of transport and Govia for this to happen.

There have been suggestions that Transport for London should take over the running of Thameslink. It has been made very clear to me that there is no possibility of this happening as the line is part of a regional route. It is therefore completely disingenuous for anyone to mislead residents into thinking this might be a possibility.

Matthew Offord

Member of Parliament for Hendon