Services between London Paddington and Newbury will be cut

Richard Benyon, MP for West Berkshire, told the House of Commons that First Great Western's late-night rail service to Berkshire was vital.

A spokesman for the rail company said under a new franchise changes to train times, including cutting the 2335 service from Paddington, will be made.

The changes to the services are due to take place in December.

Constant review

Speaking to the house, Mr Benyon MP, said: "This is under threat, it operates on platforms from Paddington and Reading and there's no understanding from First Great Western."

First Great Western said the company had won a new franchise in April 2006 and therefore needed to change timetables according to what was set out in the franchise bid.

He said the company had held consultations on the changes "months ago" and services are under constant review.

"There has been a huge number of changes made, but inevitably we weren't able to make all the amendments put forward and the Newbury late-night trains service was one. The latest service will now leave Reading at 10pm".