A commuter has invited an MP to try the “shambolic” Braintree rail service to see for himself how unreliable it can be.

Accountant Simon Lewis, of Nottage Crescent, Braintree, said: “Perhaps Brooks Newmark should use it for a few days a week at say around 7.20am and see how many Braintree trains get cancelled and how he can get stuck at Witham.”

Mr Newmark, who has promised to follow up recent commuter complaints, said: “There are lots of people who have lots of issues.

“My job is to help them sort them out and riding the train with Mr Lewis wouldn’t be a good use of my time.

“All I have had is a jobsworth’s response from Greater Anglia.

“I’m not satisfied with the answer they have given myself or the commuters.”

Mr Newmark said he would now try and speak to a member of senior Great Anglia staff for answers.

Greater Anglia apologised for recent problems with delays.