MP wants solution to Chase Line rail problems

Ms Milling questioned Patrick Mcloughlin, Secretary of State for Transport, over the plight of Chase Line users following numerous complaints of overcrowded, delayed and cancelled trains.

She said she was keen to ensure that the Government and service operator London Midland were fully aware of the concerns about the service and that they could be quickly resolved.

Her question follows several letters that she has written to London Midland outlining the frustrations of residents in Rugeley, Cannock and Hednesford, seeking commitments that the issue will be dealt with and not repeated in the future.

Ms Milling has also written to London Midland seeking reassurances that trains will be operating promptly upon completion of the electrification work on the line which is ongoing at the moment.

She said: "I am keen to ensure that London Midland commit to operating electric trains, which will have much more frequent services and many more seats than the current diesel trains, as soon as the works are complete.

"I won't accept a situation where the works are complete and connected but local residents are having to contest with the current overcrowding issues that are all too familiar to line users."

Responding to her concerns, Mr Mcloughlin said: "I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question.

"I was in her constituency just a few weeks ago and noticed that electrification work had already started on the line that runs through Hednesford to Cannock, not least at Stafford Lane and down by Brindley Heath where new bridges have been put up. I happen to know the area very well; it is where I grew up."

He assured Ms Milling that the works were on track to finish by the end of 2017.