PLANS to cut the number of trains during peak times have been branded “pointless and inconvenient”.

Great Northern want to reduce morning services between Grange Park and Moorgate from 15 to 12.

The proposals could also see 12 instead of 13 peak evening trains, and four instead of five trains between 7pm to 7.59pm.

Nicola Jefferson, who commutes to and from Victoria, said: “Commuting is so important. It’s not the most reliable service as it is – trains are often cancelled and delayed.

“It’s a service the community uses frequently and relies upon and it would cause a massive disruption.

“Reducing that further doesn’t reflect the growing demand. We want the existing frequency of peak trains to be maintained – and even increased in response to rising demand.”

She added: “Speaking to people in the local area, it seems like the vast majority have not heard of the proposal at all and I feel it's vital to bring it to the local community's attention.

“Reducing the service during peak times will affect many people travelling to work and balancing commitments such as childcare.”

Claire Johnson wrote: “Great Northern are forever cancelling trains as it is. Diabolical service.”

Stephanie Chandler said: “I commute every day and this will cause no end to issues that we already experience, of overcrowding trains and delays.”

Journeys at Grange Park have risen from 182,000 in 2004 to 2005 to 405,000 in 2014 to 2015.

Great Northern launched a consultation in September and people have until December 8 to share their views.

Andrew Fogden wrote on the consultation: “We already have trains waiting for an extended period at Winchmore Hill in the evening before speeding through Grange Park.

“This is pointless and inconvenient for local passengers.”

But Great Northern said the proposal will actually see four trains an hour throughout the entire day, instead of the current three.

Roger Perkins for Great Northern said: “This proposal for the morning peak was based on our understanding of passenger demand and the need to spread train loadings out across services that have different station stopping patterns.

"It was also suggested as a way to help introduce the overall increase of trains into and out of Moorgate at the very busiest times of the day that allows us to run a third more trains on the Hertford Loop and to reduce journey times for those travelling from north of Gordon Hill – and also to ensure that these services do not get too overcrowded.

“However, the consultation is just that – a consultation – and we will be reviewing everything people are telling us. We want our passengers to help us shape their future train service which we intend to improve for as many people as possible.”

To sign the petition, click here.