A fed up group of train travellers has once more challenged rail chiefs about disruption to services.

Ingatestone Rail Users' Association has expressed concern about signalling on the Colchester to London line.

Richard Enever, chairman of the passenger group, cited Monday, April 28, as a "morning of chaos".

He told First Great Eastern managing director David Kaye in writing that passengers at Ingatestone had "milled around for ages" unable to get on trains, some had gone to Shenfield and others had simply gone home risking their pay and jobs.

In a second letter Mr Enever complained about on going problems leading to disruptions and called on First Great Eastern to "lean on" Network Rail to rectify signalling problems.

He also made a plea for shuttle bus services to be drafted in when trains were delayed and said joint rail and bus tickets should be made available to travellers in the area.

David Kaye explained that the delays of April 28 were caused by a serious signal failure that meant the company was unable to operate the booked timetable due to safety reasons.

An FGE spokesman said a joint bus and rail ticket was something that could be looked into in the Ingatestone area.

She said: "Whenever we have any disruption the best way to get people on the move is to bring in buses. Buses are never ruled out if there is a long delay."

Network Rail believe the Liverpool Street to Colchester Line has a good performance record, but admitted two separate incidents in recent months had caused major delays.

Published Friday, May 23, 2003

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