Watford MP Claire Ward has branded the decision to cancel all London Midland services on Sunday as “utterly ridiculous” - warning the company it could be stripped of its franchise.

The rail company was forced to cancel every train in and out of Watford Junction on Sunday after workers failed to volunteer for work.

Sunday shifts for London Midland workers have, since the company won the franchise in 2007, worked on a voluntary basis.

London Midland bosses have offered staff double pay on Sundays as an incentive to work.

However, that agreement expired last weekend, prompting staff to refuse to volunteer on Sunday.

Ms Ward today met with Chris Mole, railways minister, to discuss the matter and says unless London Midland comes up with an “urgent” solution it risks being stripped of its franchise.

She said: “I made it clear that this was completely unacceptable, he shares my concerns about this and the concern that this is a breach of the franchise.

“I hope London Midland will get back around the table with the unions as a matter of urgency.

“I think they have left it too long in the hope this matter wouldn't arise but it is clear this was always going to happen.

“You can't operate a service on a voluntary agreement, it is utterly ridiculous. They need to sort this matter out and I shall be expressing those views in a letter to the secretary of state and also to the managing director of London Midland.”

She added: “The franchise agreement is to provide services seven days a week. If they weren't going to find a solution to this then clearly the secretary of state would have to look at the issue.

“We can't have this every Sunday, it is utterly ridiculous, it is a breach and they need to find a solution to it as a matter of urgency.”