Fears over commuter rail services

Mr Penrose is concerned train services to Weston could be massively cut

Commuter train services to Weston-super-Mare could be under threat, according to the town's MP.

John Penrose is concerned that plans to electrify the line between Paddington and Bristol do not include Weston.

He believes the town would be cut off as high-speed electric trains would not be able to run on the existing track due to a lack of overhead lines.

Mr Penrose has written a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, seeking clarification.

"This could mean a massive cut to our current levels of service and would be a giant step backwards, said the MP for Weston-super-Mare.

"We would return to unacceptable levels of overcrowding and would end up pushing people off the train and back into their cars, adding to the already-overcrowded M5."

The government is currently assessing the viability of electrifying the Great Western Main Line, as a more energy-efficient way of train travel.