Women-only carriages have been suggested by Labour frontbencher, Chris Williamson, and the idea has divided opinion in south Essex.

The proposal comes after a 17-year-old girl being sexually assaulted twice, by two different men, on a train journey between Newquay and Plymouth as travelled home from the Boardmasters festival on August 12.

The idea was proposed by Jeremy Corbyn as part of his Labour leadership campaign in 2015 but was dropped following opposition within his party.

A divisive idea, it has received mixed reactions in south Essex.

Castle Point MP, Rebecca Harris, said: “I think it’s bizarre. Women need to be safe everywhere, they don’t need to be segregated to remain safe. It’s like going back in time. It’s an extraordinary idea that has come out of a bygone age.

We should be training up our men to make sure they don’t assault women. To keep women safe, the answer is not to segregate them.”

Southend Tory councillor, Mark Flewitt, said: “I think it’s not a bad idea, particularly at night.

However, the downside is enforceability. You are going to get some people who see the women-only restriction and think it is hilarious to break that.

The ticket inspector would presumably have the extra responsibility of enforcing this role.”

Southend Labour councillor, Julian Ware-Lane, said: “I have to be on the sceptical side of this debate.

I think increased security would be better, so more cameras and guards on the trains. If it’s an issue of personal safety, then it should apply to everybody.”

Brian Mimpress, 46, warehouse manager, Shoeburyness: "Overcrowding at rush hour is an awful experience for a service that is hugely overpriced.

"Do you really think men will stand and wait at a platform for the next train knowing that there are seats available but cannot use because they are of the wrong gender? 

"This entire idea is ridiculous in every way."