Local transport infrastructure probably doesn’t strike most Watford residents as the zenith of political engagement. Compared to Brexit or the housing crisis, you might be forgiven for considering it relatively small fry.

But, think again! Particularly, if you start to join some of the dots on what’s happening to transport here in Watford.

We all remember the shambles of the Department of Transport’s cutting funding to Transport for London just as it was trying to commit to the Metropolitan Line extension’s latest round of funding; triggering the sound of wheels scraping on steel as the project ground to a halt. Many quizzical faces graced our town as to why they wouldn’t try to get the line built.

The less said about the parlous state of the roads in Watford the better. For the time-rich, there’s an opportunity to develop an app to guide pedestrians, motorists and cyclists through the maze of potholes on our streets.

Recently, we’ve seen most of the town up in arms about the proposed cancellation of the 324 bus service, which provides access to Watford town centre and the hospital. Petitions with thousands of signatures were presented in opposition to this move.

Arriva operates the 324 bus service. Arriva Rail London operates TfL’s Overground services to here. It’s trying to close more than 50 ticket offices, including Watford High Street and Carpenders Park. This is despite increases in passenger numbers and opposition to the move.

Similar programmes have been reversed in the past. I would urge you to support the RMT’s campaign to oppose this happening in Watford. Automated stations sound feasible but as soon as something goes wrong, or someone has a question, or a train is cancelled, then intervention is needed. With insufficient services or people, we will just lose jobs and get less service for our money.

  • Matt Turmaine is a Labour councillor for Holywell