Train operator London Midland has repeated its claim that staff sickness was partly to blame for cancelled services.

It issued a further statement explaining problems that have frustrated rail commuters after an unnamed employee told the Citizen the reason was its failure to recruit enough new train crew to work new routes.

The company says it planned for a surplus of drivers and train crew ahead of new timetables introduced on December 14.

It stated: "Sickness levels and the implementation of new working practices did affect levels of service, but we are working hard to
improve our performance and apologise to customers for the delays and cancellations."

The new timetable had been a 'huge undertaking' with staff working new rosters and routes as part of the changes. New routes had also been introduced, such as the Trent Valley line from Euston via Milton Keynes to Crewe.

In the past few weeks it had also had to contend with the closure of the West Coast line due to power failures.

"We are working closely with Network Rail and Virgin Trains to resolve problems on the West Coast mainline," added the statement.

The anonymous employee – claiming to be train crew – said London Midland had not taken on enough staff to man trains.

Sickness levels were no higher than normal and delays and cancellations were down to management failings.

"So, passengers, please do not take out your justifiable anger and frustration on train crews or station staff.

"If trains are running at all, we are the people who do our best to get you to your destination eventually."

Rail travellers are demanding 'drastic action' by Network Rail and London Midland to avoid a repeat of last week's chaos on the West Coast main line.

Rail users have written to them pleading for an end to 'ineffective management at times of disruption'.

London Midland managing director Stephen Banaghan met South West Beds MP Andrew Selous at the House of Commons on Tuesday to discuss the serious difficulties experienced by Leighton Buzzard train commuters.

Mr Selous said: "I learnt that the current temporary commissioning timetable will end on February 9 and so there should be greater certainty for commuters after that date.

"I have also had many complaints from fed-up commuters about the removal of the 7.19am fast service to Euston and its replacement by fast trains at 7.07am and 7.31am. London Midland have agreed to look at the timetabling and frequency of these trains which I very much welcome. I understand that the earliest that changes could be made would be May.

"Network Rail are currently assessing the station for an application to the Department for Transport's Access for All fund to improve facilities for disabled and frail travellers at the station.

"I will be following this up with them as the station is long overdue a lift and other improvements for disabled travellers."

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