Sir – The news that the landslip north of Banbury should be cleared by Easter will be a welcome announcement for rail passengers.

However, I would urge the rail companies to restore a full service during the rush hour as soon as possible, at least between Banbury and Reading.

The reduction in the service by Cross Country trains has imposed considerable strain on regular commuters. They were already facing a shortage of seats on key trains and this incident has just made matters worse.

Part of the problem is that rail operators haven’t fully appreciated the growth in rail commuting outside of London and the strain it imposes on capacity. This is especially a problem locally where high house prices in Oxford have seen many move to other parts of the county including Banbury.

It is also the reason why the Lib Dems have been championing both the reopening of Grove Station in the south of the county and the line to Witney in the west.

John Howson, Lib Dem county councillor, St Margaret’s Division, Oxfordshire County Council