PASSENGERS have been asked to back a campaign calling for trains to run from Colchester to London Liverpool Street in just 40 minutes.

The Great Eastern Rail Campaign is calling for a better and faster rail service between London and East Anglia.

On Friday campaigners put leaflets on every seat of morning trains travelling from Norwich to London, many of which stop at Colchester, Witham, Marks Tey, Kelvedon and Manningtree, urging them to register their support.

The campaign has already been endorsed by the New Anglia local enterprise partnership, the region’s MPs, train operator Abellio Greater Anglia and more than 1,000 businesses, universities and colleges.

Partnership chairman Mark Pendlington: “This is a big call to action and our biggest opportunity to make our voice heard loud and clear in Westminster.

“Businesses, visitors and commuters can make their support count as we prepare to take our case to the chancellor and transport secretary.”

A taskforce will soon hand in a report calling for the Government to provide funding to allow increased spending on tracks and trains, increased capacity and upgraded trains.

A new rail provider will be handed a long-term tender to operate trains in East Anglia next year.

If the bid is successful, that firm will be tasked with implementing the improvements, including allowing passengers to travel from Colchester to London in 40 minutes.

Jamie Burles, managing director of Abellio Greater Anglia, said intercity trains were being upgraded over the next two years, but admitted more was needed.

He said: “We urge everyone to support this campaign to help build the case for major enhancements and ensure our region and railways receive the investment they deserve.”

The petition is at www.newanglia.co.uk/gerailcampaign