The SRA wants to cut domestic services in favour of CTRL trains

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has recommended the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) should serve the area, but with a cut in domestic services.

In a protest organised by Medway Council, extra commuters squeezed onto the 0736 BST train from Rainham to Cannon Street on Tuesday morning.

A petition was then being taken to the Department for Transport.

We certainly welcome the CTRL domestic trains but it's at the cost of the classic line trains Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council

The aim of the protest, which had cross-party support from councillors, was to demonstrate to ministers the "impossible and uncomfortable conditions" commuters would face if the SRA's recommendations are adopted.

The SRA is planning to cut rail passenger services to Cannon Street and Victoria, in London.

However, Medway Council believes the area should be served by both CTRL and domestic services.

Cllr Phil Filmer, Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, said: "We certainly welcome the CTRL domestic trains but it's at the cost of the classic line trains."

He added that many people had chosen to live in Medway because of the fast rail links into London.