Hertsmere's MP has met with the rail minister to discuss the effects on the borough ahead of the proposed break-up of the Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) franchise.

Oliver Dowden met with Paul Maynard MP, to raise concerns about what the process may mean for commuters who use GTR’s services.

GTR is responsible for two lines through Hertsmere including the Thameslink line which runs through Radlett and Borehamwood and Great Northern through Potters Bar.

The routes were combined into one franchise in 2014 in order to support the delivery of the Thameslink upgrade programme and this is up for renewal in 2021 following the programme’s completion.

Under the new national rail strategy, published by the government on November 29, they will return to operating as smaller individual franchises.

After speaking with Mr Maynard, Mr Dowden said: “He explained that the Department for Transport is looking at the franchising structure for the three lines that will be put in place after 2021. I was pleased to hear that the government will be consulting on a number of different options for this that will improve the service.

“These include separating London area commuter services from the longer distance services to the rest of the country; and whether organisations such as TfL should be invited to bid for the franchises.

“These are all things that constituents have raised with me and I look forward to them being explored further when the formal consultation is launched.”