FGW managers to face David Cameron's constituents

[whole diary]

[willc]

The following message was posted today on Charlbury.info by David Cameron's office:

In view of the continued problems with the service and in the wake of the December '07 timetable, David has asked for a public meeting with Mike Carroll (Managing Director) and Richard Rowland (Regional Manager) from First Great Western (FGW^▸ (First Great Western)). It has been arranged for Friday, 18th January 2008 (4.30 - 5.40pm) at the Corner House, Charlbury.

David is keen for it to be an opportunity for constituents to quiz FGW about the current state of the service, so if you can make it please come along. He will be posting a full comment, following the meeting.

Hmm. If you can make it indeed. May be a convenient time for 'Dave' and FGW, but not great for most of his constituents, I venture, though at least he's got them out of the bunker. The last Worcester-bound train before the start of the meeting is due CBY at 15.07, the next at 17.07, so someone up to a sprint through town might catch the tail end of it. As for anyone who has to work later, tough, it would appear. Mr Carroll, I believe, is actually Route Director East, whatever that means.

[dog box]

Its very easy really......... he the Director of East Routes!!!!!

[vacman]

He USED to be MD years ago!!

[Chris from Nailsea]

Details 'borrowed' from Insider's blog:

"Mike Carroll, Route Director for the East region. Mike is a former FGW^▸ (First Great Western) Managing Director. He's been in the rail industry for over 20 years. He graduated from the British Rail Graduate Training Scheme. He's held managerial posts in operations, marketing, product development and quality. He's been Retail and Customer Service Manager for Great Western before becoming director of Retail and Distribution."

(Thanks, Insider - http://indefenceoffirstgreatwestern.blogspot.com/2007/10/top-of-pile.html )

[willc]

Charlbury's commuters want the meeting to be held at a time when they aren't at work and are being urged to deluge 'Dave' with emails to that effect.

Although this would have been a wonderful idea if the timing was right - can I ask you all to email David Cameron at camerond@parliament.uk to ask if he could change the timing of the meeting, bearing in mind he wishes to get the views of the commuters across to FGW^▸ (First Great Western) and by having the meeting at a time when the majority of rail users can attend.

[willc]

Commuters win the argument.The meeting will now run 6.15pm to 7.15pm, which will suit those using the 17.31 halts train from Oxford.