Commuters in Sutton faced delays and cancellations on train services – and the disruption looks set to continue for the rest of the week.

The disruption began on Monday when First Capital Connect (FCC) trains drivers decided not to work overtime in a dispute over pay. This left FCC with a shortage of drivers and many trains were cancelled and delayed.

Pay talks are ongoing but a FCC spokesman said it was unlikely the service would be back to normal before the end of the week.

Sutton Council and MP Tom Brake have demanded action from FCC. Executive member for transport Coun Colin Hall said: “This level of service is simply not acceptable for residents in Sutton who rely on trains to be available and on time.

“I will be raising the wholly inadequate approach by First Capital Connect at the next Public Transport Liaison Group and along with Tom I will be speaking to them direct to ask for an explanation.”

The Union which represents First Capital Connect train drivers, ASLEF have said that many drivers are unhappy with a recent offer of a zero percent pay rise. This has led to some drivers now not deciding to work additional hours.

An FCC spokesman said: “We rely on drivers to work a combination of overtime and rest days. However, following the start of pay talks, an ever-increasing number of drivers have withdrawn from working rest days or overtime and we have been left with a number of cancelled services. We have made an offer to the trade unions and we await the outcome on this.

“We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused, we are doing all we can to provide the best possible service we can on each day.”

Mr Brake has written to FCC's chief executive Railway Ombudsman, The Office of Rail Regulation about the problem. He said: “'I understand that people are angry and frustrated at having their journeys to and from work disrupted.”

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