We sent this email to the MD of SWR on 17th April. We have received an acknowledgement and offer to meet Mr Bowman in the coming weeks:
SENT: 17th April 2026
Dear Mr Lawrence Bowman,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to our letter and for engaging directly with the concerns raised by Residents Against Downtimes in Egham. Thank you also to your public affairs team who have been in touch with us. We also appreciate the January 2026 dataset you shared. I am sure you will agree that the wait times, particularly at Pooley Green and Rusham, are substantial. While we recognise the structural constraints you outline, the conclusion that there is currently no identified funding allocation or technical solution is concerning. If no provision exists today, then provision must be created. This issue is quickly becoming the number one operational and reputational challenge for SWR and Network Rail in our area. The number of people unable to move from one side of the town to the other for extended periods is simply not sustainable.
To illustrate the human impact, we have attached another resident story: this time from someone undergoing cancer treatment, who is repeatedly delayed and distressed by the current situation. We've dropped the physical copies of the postcard in your post room and have attached the postcard to this email for your kind review. These are not isolated frustrations; they are daily barriers to essential mobility.
In light of this, we request:
· A clear outline of short-, medium- and long-term options being considered.
· A plan for how these options will be assessed and implemented, with indicative timelines.
· Quarterly updates on barrier down times, performance trends, and actions taken.
We also strongly urge the creation of a joint working group involving SWR, Network Rail, local representatives, and community stakeholders to explore practical solutions rather than ruling them out at the outset.
We note the upcoming 2027/28 timetable consultation, but residents cannot wait two more years for potential incremental improvements. We need meaningful action now.
Finally, with more than 800 residents having signed our petition (online and offline), we invite you to attend a town-hall meeting in Egham towards the end of April or first week of May. The venue has been identified; all that is required is your presence. We are also happy to come to your office to discuss the issue face to face.
This would allow you to hear directly from the community and demonstrate a commitment to addressing this issue collaboratively. Thank you again for your engagement. We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Rahul and John
Residents Against Downtimes in Egham