MP's Petition calls for proper night time staffing

Ann Keen MP is launching a petition for proper staffing of rail stations at night. The Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth is launching a campaign this week to collect hundred’s of signatures from passing commuters at Gunnersbury station.

The call follows the brutal killing of Thomas ap Rhys Pryce at Kensal Green station last month.  The 31 year old lawyer was attacked by two youths as he left the station at 23.30.

Ann Keen said “All the rail stations in London should be properly staffed with at least two members of staff during the night. Silverlink only need to make a small dip into their pockets to pay for it.”

She continued “Transport for London have assured me that when they take over the lines in 2007, the stations will be properly staffed at night. I don’t see why we all have to wait that long. Silverlink can well afford to staff stations now and deter violent crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Ann has also called for a meeting with the Chief Executive of Silverlink to discuss the problems at Gunnersbury station and the need for all railway stations to be properly staffed at night.

Ann Keen’s constituency is served by interchanges managed by Silverlink at Gunnersbury. People wishing to sign Ann’s petition should contact her office on 020 7219 5623 (phone), 020 7219 2233 (fax) or annkeenmp@parliament.uk (email) for a copy.

February 3, 2006