TENDRING’S tourism boss will meet rail chiefs to discuss the role a top train service can have in bringing visitors to the area.

On Easter Monday trains running from Colchester to Clacton and Walton were all cancelled to allow essential rail maintenance work to go ahead.

While a replacement bus service was put into action, it is feared the move may have hit Clacton’s tourist trade on the bank holiday.

Mark Platt, Tendring Council cabinet member for tourism wants to meet with railway bosses to discuss a future strategy.

He said: “It is of concern that works such as this may impact on the number of visitors coming to our area but we recognise that Network Rails needs to undertake maintenance and improvement works.

“I will be seeking a meeting with the rail authority and the franchisee to discuss issues such as these and make sure we work closely together in the future.

“It is crucial to ensure we have a first class rail service that is also mindful of the important role tourism plays in our local economy.”