Responding to the Government announcing rail fares will rise by 5.9% in March, Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Somerton & Frome said: "In the midst of a cost of living crisis, rail ticket prices will soar by the largest increase for 10 years.

The Government should be freezing fares to help struggling households, but once again train users are being catastrophically let down. People are paying way over the odds for what has often been an appalling service.

"Living in a rural community, many rely on public transport to live and work. Many local people have to travel great distances for work, education or training and market towns like Frome and Bruton rely on the income from tourism that is derived from people travelling to this beautiful part of Somerset.

"Our railways are a key part of a sustainable transport network, vital in the fight to tackle the climate emergency and cut air pollution. Rather than putting off commuters with yet another price hike, the Government must help the industry recover from the COVID-19 crisis. "

This means freezing fares and investing to increase capacity to make sure we have a rail network that is fit for the future. ENDS Notes to Editor

Cllr Sarah Dyke is the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Somerton & Frome. She is also the Executive Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change on Somerset County Council.