A RAIL service in the region described as "lamentable" by a North-East MP could be debated in Parliament in the New Year.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones is calling for a debate on the service from Chester-le-Street following complaints from constituents about "endless delays and cancellations".

He has written to the managing director of TransPennine Express to outline the concerns.

Mr Jones said: “Constituents are contacting me daily about the endless delays and cancellations of trains, which are causing significant problems in their professional and family lives.

“The recent announcement of a 3.1 per cent fare rise is simply adding insult to injury while passengers suffer daily rail misery.”

A public meeting was held at about the issue in September and was attended by railway industry representatives as well as councillors and rail users.

Mr Jones said: “The constant delays and cancellations are causing severe problems for thousands of local passengers. Furthermore, the information provided by the company continues to be inaccurate, whether provided by staff or online.

“My constituents have yet to see the promised improvements to the customer service offered at Newcastle or to bus services. People in North Durham deserve a reliable train service, and this is simply not being provided.

“I will be raising these issues in Parliament in the New Year, and will keep pressing until things improve.”

At the end of March the ticket office was closed along with the toilets and waiting room facilities.

A spokesperson for TransPennine Express said: “While there have been some cancellations to services over recent months, we have now put in place changes that have already started to bring about improvements to the reliability of trains along our North route.

“However there is still more work to be done and we are committed to providing the best possible service for our customers.”