EALING Council has called on the government to take away First Group's Great Western rail franchise if planned service cuts go ahead.

If approved First Group trains will not stop at Ealing Stations or at Acton Main Line, Southall or Hanwell.

Local councillors from all three parties supported a motion to oppose the cuts.

The council are now writing to the government and the rail authorities outlining their opposition to the cuts.

The franchise to operate trains to the west country from London is set to be reconsidered in 2006 and First Group's First Great Western Link recently took over the franchise from Thames Trains.

The firm plans to cut peak hour services in the new December timetable in half.

Campaigners claim the proposal to axe the 23.55 service, making the last train from Paddington the 23.08, would make late night travel from the city to Ealing impossible.

David Campbell Bannerman of the Save Acton Mainline pressure group welcomed the council's support.

He said: "Since First Group took over, services through Acton Main Line have degenerated.

"We have never known so many cancellations, delays and such unreliability. Now First Great Western Link is planning massive cuts in peak services, which are a knee in the groin for the local community."

He added: "I congratulate Ealing Council for making it clear.

"If First Group proceed with these cuts they should lose their rail franchise.

"There are many quality operators who are interested in the Greater Western franchise who could do a better job than First is doing."

A spokesman for First Group said: "When the Strategic Rail Authority invited tenders for the old Thames Trains franchise, a requirement to provide extra capacity was a pillar of that bid.

"Another was capacity for the new Heathrow Connect service which will link Ealing to Heathrow."

Changes to the timetable would mean a more punctual service, he added.