Nearly 200 commuters took part in a survey on rail services carried out at Manningtree Station.

The survey was carried out by South Suffolk and North Essex Liberal Democrats.

The biggest complaint from commuters was on the new timetable, with 81 per cent admitting it was less convenient than the previous timetable.

A similar number said it was more difficult to find a seat, complaining of overcrowded trains and of having to stand for all or most of their journeys.

Sixty per cent did not think the franchise should have been changed to One and when it comes up for renewal, 54 per cent wanted the railways taken back into public ownership.

Published Tuesday, March 1, 2005

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