CLACTON MP Douglas Carswell has criticised rail providers after late-running engineer works caused commuter chaos.

Train services were at a standstill on Monday morning after weekend track improvements at Colchester were not completed in time by Network Rail.

Mr Carswell said: “It is simply not acceptable that train services between Clacton and London should be cancelled on a busy Monday morning.

"Local commuters pay large sums for the privilege of travelling up and down to Colchester and London.

“It cannot be right that they suddenly find the service is not running at the start of the week."

Mr Carswell has written to the train operators to voice his anger over the issue and demand answers.