City MP in calls on train contract

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant today called for London Midland's contract to be given to another firm in the wake of the cancelled rail services which left thousands of passengers suffering delays and disruption.

Hundreds of trains throughout Staffordshire and the Black Country were axed after drivers and conductors for London Midland refused to work yesterday after bosses cut bonuses.

"This failure of their service is unacceptable and breaches all the assurances and promises given to me and the Department of Transport on the future of their Sunday train timetable. Their contract should be withdrawn and be given to an alternative company," said Mr Fabricant.

He said that when he met Steve Banaghan, managing director of London Midland, in March, he had outlined the difficulties they were encountering, but he had offered hope as to the future reliability of their service.