Rail bosses faced a "firing squad" of criticism from commuters furious at cutbacks to Kelvedon trains.

The new rush-hour timetable has forced passengers into sitting on the floors of overcrowded carriages, yesterday's public meeting heard.

Bob Davies, One's area retail manager, was warned conditions were so bad they could lead to passenger deaths in the summer.

More than 100 people turned out yesterday at Feering community centre to have their say on December's schedule changes.

They were angry at the reduction in peak-time trains between Kelvedon and London at the expense of extra Intercity Norwich trains.

Mark Leslie, spokesman for newly-formed Kelvedon Rail Users' Association, said: "It is very galling. They have reduced it from four trains to one - and we know that's the company's name!"

Calls were made to bring back the old timetable, which has been successful for seven years. But Mr Davies said this was not possible as One was given the contract to run the trains on the understanding the timetables would change.

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Published Tuesday, January 11, 2005

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