THE rail service in Wivenhoe is worse than in the Sixties, according to the town council.

The authority has urged the next business to run the route, between Colchester Town and Clacton, to lower fares and encourage more users.

In a letter to the Department for Transport, Wivenhoe Town Council criticises National Express East Anglia, which is set to lose the franchise to run services between Clacton and London next year.

It says lack of staff, fewer ticket machines and an increase in fares have left the service at a worse level than 40 years ago.

The letter adds: “In contrast to virtually all other lines in East Anglia, many of which have seen a doubling or more of their service level in recent years, the Colchester Town to Clacton service remains at a worse level than in the Sixties.

“The line has suffered from a spiral of neglect since then, with several unkempt stations, abnormally high fares discouraging use, a very high percentage of ticketless travel reducing revenue and a generally negative ambience.

“In addition, there have been massive fares increases under the present franchise.

“In 2005, the return fare from Wivenhoe to Colchester was £2.50 peak and £2.10 off-peak.

“It is now £3.60 peak and £3.30 off-peak – an increase three to four times the level of general inflation over the period.”

The Government will choose a new firm to run the service in 2011.