AN MP is calling for action on overcrowded trains from Worc-ester to Birmingham.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff is calling on Ministers to assess the health and safety implications of overcrowded trains following a string of complaints about packed carriages.

Meanwhile, an angry commuter has hit out at Central Trains over what he says is an appalling catalogue of delays.

Andy Boulton, of Michael Tippett Drive, Worcester, commutes daily to Birmingham New Street from Worcester Shrub Hill and says he has come to the end of his tether with the reliability of the service.

Since Central Trains introduced its winter timetable in September, he said he has been regularly late to work as the 7.55am train, timetabled to arrive at 8.38am, doesn't get in until 8.45am.

Partnership

And the 42-year-old - who works as an IT manager for a partnership of education colleges in Birmingham - says the 5.19pm train - due to arrive in Worcester at 6.05pm - is often nearly half an hour late.

Mr Boulton said the trains were crowded - with passengers having to regularly stand up - and there was at least one problem weekly of lights or heating not working, or faulty doors.

Mr Boulter has been using the Worcester to Birmingham service for nearly 10 years - but says it has now got so bad he is considering reverting to his car.

"The thing about it is it's not the fault of the people who work for Central Trains, it's obviously a planning problem.

"The seriousness of the problems is not only the financial impact it has on the loss of productive employment, but how it disrupts the lives of families."

Central Trains spokesman Ged Burgess said he admitted people sometimes had to stand on trains in busy times but it was for a fraction of the time they might be stuck in traffic if travelling by car.

He added that performance staff had identified the problem with the 5.19pm service as a timetabling issue - with incoming trains arriving late not giving the service sufficient time to turn around and head to Worcester.

"We apologise to passengers for these delays - we're aware of it and are going to do something about it."