Ledbury stationmaster John Goldrick is urging local people who rely on trains to London to make their views known ahead of a rail shake-up in 2006.

The new Great Western Franchise may affect Ledbury services to the capital when it comes into force in just over two years' time.

Currently, there are four trains on weekdays to London, and five back. But existing train operators, such as Thames Trains and Great Western, are to combine under one franchise.

At present, the first train to leave Ledbury for London is at 6.12am. The last return train is the 7.18pm from Paddington, making it possible for commuters to use Ledbury as a base.

A consultation period is now under way and pre-printed forms to assist this exercise are available from Ledbury Station.