I would like to draw to your readers’ attention to important changes to First Capital Connect train services at London Bridge this December.

But first, may I offer your readers a sincere apology for the continued reduced service First Capital Connect is able to offer on the Brighton to Bedford Thameslink route.

This is a result of drivers choosing not to work rest days or overtime.

We are acutely aware of our customers’ frustration at the situation and are working hard to deliver the best service we can with the resources at our disposal and to resolve the rejection of our pay offer by the drivers’ union ASLEF which prompted the unofficial industrial action.

From December 14, four Brighton-bound First Capital Connect services that currently call at London Bridge at 17.11, 17.32, 17.52 and 18.42 will have to take a different route through Elephant and Castle and will no longer be able to start/call at London Bridge.

However, we have altered two of these displaced London Bridge services so that they start at Bedford instead of London Bridge.

These will provide extra evening rush hour services to Brighton from our Central London stations at St Pancras International, Farringdon, City Thameslink and Blackfriars as well as Elephant and Castle. We will double both services in length to eight carriages.

This re-routing of the four London Bridge services is a direct result of an enhanced Southeastern timetable which means there will be less space at London Bridge for First Capital Connect trains.

These changes are driven by the Department for Transport (DfT) to best meet overall passenger demand.

The DfT is funding the £5.5 billion Thameslink Programme, which will open up London Bridge to many more Thameslink route services.

Customers heading south who are affected by the changes are advised to catch alternative First Capital Connect services from either Elephant and Castle (two stops away on the Northern line), City Thameslink or Blackfriars.

There are other minor changes to the timetable.

Please check it online at www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk/dec09timetable or pick up a copy from a staffed station.

Roger Perkins, communications manager, First Capital Connect