TRAIN passengers are calling for tighter measures to stop fare-dodgers.

Ontrack, the rail users' association for Frinton, Walton, Kirby Cross and Thorpe, wants a clampdown on people not buying tickets.

Chairman John Smock, who commutes to work from Frinton, called for the rail operator to get tougher.

He said: "People who travel up to London or Colchester North are subsiding those who don't pay.

"I hear regularly of people getting on at Great Bentley and Alresford who are riding on the trains without paying.

"They get off at Colchester Town, where there are no staff or guards to check whether they have a ticket."

Mr Smock has invited someone from National Express East Anglia to talk about the problem at Ontrack's annual meeting.

Other issues on the agenda include major engineering work scheduled for the Tendring district next year.

The schemes include replacement of signals and track at Clacton, which is expected to take five weeks.

Work is also due on the Walton line throughout February.

Mr Smock hoped information would be available on alternative services during the engineering work, like bus replacements.

  • Ontrack's annual meeting is at 10.30am on June 21, at the Methodist Church hall, Ashlyns Road, Frinton.