A second week of delays and cancellations has left Manningtree rail commuters even more angry than they were already.

Now Manningtree Rail Users' Association is planning to set up a public meeting with rail company One as soon as possible in the new year.

"People's lives are being seriously affected," said association chairman Derek Monnery.

Since the introduction of a new timetable on December 13, travellers claim their journeys are now longer and the trains overcrowded or break down while others have been cancelled.

To add to the frustration and confusion, the tannoy system and screens at Manningtree Station were not working yesterday morning.

"If anything, it's been worse this week than last," said Joanna Welton, of Kiln Lane, Mistley.

No-one was available from One to comment, but the company has said previously the aim was to create a better overall timetable.

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Published Wednesday, December 22, 2004

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