COASTAL commuters have welcomed plans for a major upgrade to Intercity trains, but are calling for more services to Clacton and Walton.

Operator Abellio Greater Anglia has announced a £9million upgrade to provide 600,000 extra seats a year on Intercity routes.

John Smock, chairman of Ontrack Rail Users’ Association, which represents Tendring commuters, welcomed the plans, but called for more funding to upgrade the Clacton and Walton lines.

“We welcome the upgrade to the Intercity, but the Intercity doesn’t serve Clacton,” he said.

“We hope we will get an improvement, as well as an increased frequency of service. For that, we need longer platforms, infrastructure tweaks or a reinstated double-track section.”

Abellio said increased seating capacity on Intercity trains between Norwich and London would also benefit Tendring commuters.