MP Claire Ward has warned under-fire train operator London Midland it has “a long way to go” before it satisfies Government expectations.

The company was rebuked this week by Transport Secretary Lord Andrew Adonis, who announced its performance "was unacceptable to both passengers and the Government."

Ms Ward has had several meetings with the firm’s management after receiving hundreds of complaints about late running and cancelled trains from irate commuters.

She said: "London Midland did agree to put on extra trains following talks I had with senior managers - but there is no doubt that they have a long way to go before their services reach the standard that was promised when they were awarded the franchise. “Hundreds of my constituents depend on these services for commuting into and out of London every day and the constant delays and cancellations only add to the stress of a working day.

“Hopefully the action now taken by the Secretary of State will result in a much improved service."