Politicians and protesters rallied outside the Sutton's train stations yesterday to save a key rail link .

Paul Burstow MP for Sutton and Cheam was joined by Liberal Democrat councillors Richard Clifton and Heather Honour at Sutton train station to protest at the proposed cut to the service.

Thousands of commuters from across south London use the service which connects the boroughs stations to as far as Luton Airport.

Plans to axe the Thameslink through service to central London and King's Cross would disrupt commuters and make Sutton a less attractive place to invest, according to Mr Burstow. 

Mr Burstow said: "The plans would mean commuters would have to use a less reliable service to get further than Blackfriars. This would cause chaos to commuters."

Commuters are being urged to attend a meeting at the Arena Room at Scola tonight at 7pm to discuss the new franchise proposals.

Councillor Clifton said of the proposals: "We pride ourselves on our train links. From Sutton you can be in Lille or Brussels within two train journeys."

Elsewhere Tom Brake was joined by Liberal Democrat Councillors Jill Whitehead, Alan Salter, and Roger Thistle as well as concerned local citizens at Carshalton station to protest against the planned changes to Thameslink.

The group spoke to commuters about the ongoing consultation and encouraged them to attend a public meeting tonight.

Afterwards, the group travelled up to Blackfriars station with protesters from along the affected route.

Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake said: "The proposed changes will have a profound impact on the many commuters in this area, and we will do everything we can to spread awareness before it is too late."