PLANS to axe direct trains from Southampton to Gatwick Airport from as early as next year have come under fire by politicians and campaigners. 

As it stands, Southern Rail runs a direct hourly service from Southampton Central to London's second-biggest airport Monday to Saturday. 

But under proposals put forward by the company, two-per-hour services to London Victoria via Horsham and Gatwick Airport would serve Portsmouth only. 

The hourly service would be replaced two-per-hour Brighton trains serving only Southampton meaning that passengers wishing to travel to Gatwick will have to change at Barnham.

READ MORE: Southampton to Gatwick Airport direct trains could be axed

Conservative MP for Southampton Itchen, Royston Smith, said the proposals are "hugely disappointing".

He said: "Not only is it inconvenient for my constituents but it is unhelpful when we are encouraging fewer car journeys where possible."

Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test, said axing the "popular" service will mean no direct train travel to any London airports from Southampton.

He added: "Encouraging train travel is essential if we are going to get to grips with the climate crisis.

"However, this is yet another cost-cutting exercise from train companies which makes train travel less attractive to people."

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Southern Rail says the changes would mean more even intervals between trains at new half-hourly frequencies, improving reliability. 

Jenny Saunders, Govia Thameslink Railway’s Customer Service Director, said: “We’re confident that the reliability and capacity improvements these proposals are designed to achieve would benefit passengers on local and longer-distance journeys across the West Coastway.

“It’s now important that we hear the views of the public so we can make sure these proposals improve services for our passengers.”

But council leader Cllr Satvir Kaur said: “This is sad news for travellers.

"Anyone that uses the train service knows how busy these lines can get, so it would make sense to have more rather than less services.

"Like most costal city, Southampton often struggles with its accessibility, so we would want to see more public transport options, not less, that local individuals and families can benefit from.” 

Deputy leader, Cllr Lorna Fielker added: “It is disappointing to see that Southern Trains are considering no longer linking Southampton with  Gatwick Airport.

"This decision will add to congestion on the roads, at a time when we are looking to provide people with options to have access to different choices when choosing how to travel.

"I would encourage people concerned to respond to the consultation”

Rail user and campaigner, Helen Field, said called that "absolutely ridiculous".

"If (people) are going to be flying anyway we want to make the journey there as low carbon as possible. I think that is essential.

"People could actually go on to miss flights. We haven't got a 100 per cent reliable railway network."

The move could be a "massive inconvenience" to travellers, she said. 

A consultation on the plans is underway and can be found on Southern Railway's website. 

If introduced, the changes would come into effect from next year with a redesigned timetable.

Other changes include London to Portsmouth services being extended to Portsmouth Harbour and a new, half-hourly, all-stations Brighton to Chichester service via Littlehampton.