A meeting to discuss the train service in Witham was held too early for commuters to attend, it has been claimed.

MP Priti Patel chaired the meeting at Chipping Hill Church last Wednesday and representatives of Greater Anglia and Network Rail were present to answer questions.

However both before and after the meeting, commuters raised concerns over the 6pm start time - saying it did not allow rail users enough time to attend.

David Bigg, chairman of Witham and Braintree Rail Users' Association, said: "I have had quite a lot of phone calls about the timing since the meeting.

"We are unhappy with the time it was organised for, which seems to be against common sense.

"When commuters get home after work they want time to spend with their families, and many do not arrive at Witham until after 6pm anyway."

Ms Patel said the time was dictated by "venue availability".

She said: “I was pleased to hold a public meeting for commuters to speak with Greater Anglia and Network Rail.

"The timing of the meeting was subject to venue availability and I have raised any questions from people who could not attend with Greater Anglia and Network Rail.

"Further local meetings are being planned so that commuters can have their concerns and views heard.”

Ticket prices, engineering works and delay repay compensation were all discussed.

Ms Patel is the new chairman of Great Eastern Main Line Rail Taskforce.