People in Tendring are being urged to make their views known as part of a consultation into rail services in the district.

Representatives from Tendring District Council and the ONTRACK Rail Users’ Association took part in a stakeholders’ discussion event in Chelmsford last week where the rail executive team at the Department for Transport (DfT) looked at new East Anglian Rail Franchise Consultation process.

Officers from Network Rail and Passenger Focus were also present at the event.

John Smock, ONTRACK chairman, said: “The main message we want to get across is that we were there to engage with the providers for the benefit of the Tendring residents.

“However, we now want people to take part in the consultation to back up the message we put across highlighting the inadequate standards of rail transport in our area.”

The consultation on the franchise process runs until March 16.

There are also two other consultations being run at the moment by Network Rail into plans for infrastructure and connectivity.

These have a deadline of February 3.

To help engage people in the franchise process the DfT will be at Clacton Railway Station on January 29 handing out leaflets about the consultation.

Mark Platt, district councillor for tourism, said: “The big issues for Tendring are that there needs to be adequate infrastructure and capacity investment, as well as a standard of services and facilities on trains and at stations which will meet future population growth, tourism and economic regeneration.

“The issues also include frequency of services, through trains from all stations to London avoiding connections and early and late train provision.”

Mr Smock added: “Wouldn’t it be marvellous to hear some good news like money being spent to provide extra capacity and flexibility like a Gorse Lane Station, doubling of the Walton line to get rid of bottlenecks at Kirby Cross and Thorpe-le-Soken and longer platforms so London trains can serve all Walton and mid-Tendring stations.

“One may think this is all very fanciful, but such long-needed improvements are peanuts compared to money being lavished elsewhere on rail in the country.”

Take part in the DfT online survey here visit or alternatively email issues not covered directly to the ministry.

To find out more about the franchise process go to the government’s consultation website.