A BOLTON MP has hit out at Britain’s transport secretary for the government’s actions towards struggling train companies.

In a letter, Sir David Crausby said rail users had “lost faith” in Northern trains and that Chris Grayling should “hold them to account, get our railways functioning normally again and deliver the promised improvements”.

An interim timetable was put in place in June, weeks after May’s national timetable change brought huge numbers of delays and cancellations in Bolton and around the North West.

The transport secretary worked alongside Transport for the North to devise a system of compensation for passengers, although Sir David said the scheme “fails to recognise the realities of commuting”, due to its focus on seasonal, weekly and monthly tickets.

The Bolton North East MP, added: “Rail users have lost faith that Northern have the ability or desire to put things right and ensure that a decent level of service is provided.

“As Secretary of State you must hold them to account, get our railways functioning normally again and deliver the promised improvements.

“If Northern cannot do this then you must strip them of the franchise and stop Arriva profiting from failure.

“This is a priority issue for me and my constituents. I would appreciate your comments on this matter and I would be grateful if you will provide me with a reply in a form that I can share with local residents.”

The Department for Transport has been contacted for further comment.