Despite years of campaigning to bring Oyster cards to Epsom station, five other Surrey towns are to be made part of the scheme in the New Year.

Rail minister Claire Perry announced on Thursday the contactless system will be in use at Horley, Salfords, Earlswood, Redhill and Merstham, as well as Gatwick, while a start date has yet to be announced for Epsom.

Epsom and Ewell borough councillor Eber Kington described the move as ‘very disappointing’, adding that the issue is the one which councillors receive the most emails about.

However MP Chris Grayling saw it as a positive development, saying it goes to show the ‘problems delaying Oyster have started to be resolved’.

Surrey Comet:

MP Chris Grayling said the announcement meant Oyster problems are 'being resolved'

Coun Kington, Residents' Association ward councillor for Ewell Court, said: "Here we are again. Once again we’re left wanting Oyster cards, and we see other stations getting them.

"Why not Epsom? These decisions are made by the powers-that-be and they seem to have a blind spot when it comes to us.

"The frustrating thing is we hear a lot about this from residents but we are very much powerless to do anything about it. It’s down to the train companies, the Department for Transport and London travel authorities."

Surrey Comet:

Borough councillor Eber Kington described the situation as 'very disappointing'

Mr Grayling, the leader of the House of Commons said: "I’ve already spoken to ministers with a view to getting Oyster for Epsom back on track and hope to have more news shortly."

The historic market town was due to see Oyster cards introduced in September, but those plans were delayed indefinitely.

At the time, Mr Grayling described the shelving as ‘incredibly disappointing’, given that all other stations in surrounding local authorities are already part of the scheme.

Govia Thameslink Railway, which is partially responsible for agreeing the fare structure necessary to bring Oyster to Epsom blamed ‘issues between National Rail fares and Oyster fares’ for the delay.

A spokesman for the company said: "The introduction of the new stations, and other lines of route into the Oyster Pay As You Go network has created a number of challenges.

"In some cases this also means agreeing the approach with other operators. Govia Thameslink Railway and Transport for London are working very hard to deliver the obligation as soon as is practical."

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