A RAIL user group says cash must be splashed on a revamp of Tendring trains following the renewal of the area’s rail franchise.

Abellio-owned Greater Anglia will continue to run trains in the area until October 2016 after its contract was renewed.

Abellio has pledged a major £20million investment as part of the renewal, including new carpets and seating, upgraded lighting and more power sockets in trains.

A Walton-based rail user group has backed the renewal, but says some of the cash must be splashed on boosting the Tendring service.

John Smock, chairman of Ontrack – which represents passengers from Walton to Clacton – said: “Investment in trains in north Essex is needed and will be welcomed.

“But we noted nothing specifically has been said about the service in Tendring. We need to see the benefits of some of that cash.

“The current trains are not quick enough or regular enough and we would like to see a boost to coverage over weekends and holidays."

Mr Smock says an improved rail service could be vital in slashing unemployment in the area.