ALTON Line Users Association member Mike Roberts is challenging the Government over proposed rail fare increases.

Rail fares are set to rise by an average of 6.2 per cent from January, but Mr Roberts claims rail travel could become "unaffordable" for many ordinary commuters.

He is calling on Chancellor Gordon Osborne to curb the increases based on a three per cent increase about the rate of inflation, which was 3.2 per cent in July.

He has written to the Tory Chancellor at 11 Downing Street warning of the anger felt by train users.

See this week's Alton Herald for full story.