RAIL bosses have been warned that additional commuter trains are needed in order to protect public safety, as passengers struggle to keep socially distanced.

Basildon and Billericay councillors are urging Greater Anglia to return to a full timetable after children and workers were forced onto “jam-packed” trains.

The operator previously reduced services across the East of England following the Government’s work from home advice, which had led to a drop in passengers.

Tony Headley, deputy leader of Basildon Council said: "My wife has gone to London a few times and had a bad and disastrous journey - it's been a nightmare. They need to revisit the timetables.

"We need to see a sensible number of trains and resolution to this. I think lots of people are worried about Covid, and packed trains are not going to help that.

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"I have gone down to Billericay train station and seen the crowds and issues for myself. There is not enough train capacity, and we would need to be considering the possible consequences of the busy trains and any new variants of Covid too."

David Dadds, councillor for Billericay East echoed the warning. He said: "With more and more people going back to work it's even more imperative that the service meets the demand.

"There is no social distancing on the trains as they are so busy, and it will be much much worse in the coming weeks."

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: “We’ve listened to feedback and we’re making changes to make journeys better for customers.

“This week we introduced three extra peak services on the Southend Victoria line, departing Southend Victoria at 06.30 and 16.10, arriving London Liverpool Street at 07.30 and 17.10; and departing London Liverpool Street at 17.32, arriving Southend Victoria at 18.31.

“Our aim is to match the services we provide with the level of demand for them, wherever possible. We are also reviewing our ongoing timetable plans in the light of the latest government announcement and we will continue to update our customers on any further changes that result from that review.”

The company said they will keep monitoring the situation.