TRAIN operator Greater Anglia has started a �3 million upgrade to its fleet of local trains.

The train operator’s nine two-carriage Class 156 vehicles will receive a complete interior overhaul, including new carpets, panels, seat covers and a deep clean as well as the installation of a new passenger information system which will deliver automatic announcements.

The vehicles will also be fitted with a toilet that can be used by the able-bodied and those with disabilities.

Each unit will also receive a brand new coat of paint in the company’s red and white livery.

Work on the upgrade started earlier this month, with the first unit due to be completed and returned to service at the end of November. The entire refurbishment programme will continue until late 2013.

The trains will be used on services on the East Suffolk line to Lowestoft, the Cambridge line through Bury St Edmunds, and the Marks Tey to Sudbury route.

Therese Coffey MP for Suffolk Coastal said: “I’m delighted that passengers on the East Suffolk line will benefit from refurbished trains with a nicer travelling environment.

“Coupled with the introduction of an hourly service on the route from December, it means passengers along this vitally important corridor are seeing major improvements to their train service over the coming months.”