TRACK replacement work is improving services on the London to Colchester line, according to Essex Rail Users’ Federation.

More than nine out of ten trains serving the area ran on time last month.

The figures are even more impressive considering there were severe delays in April, when thieves tried to steal cables near Colchester.

Derek Monnery, chairman of Essex Rail Users’ Federation, said: “I’m pleased that reliability is improving, which is the result of a lot of track replacement work since the Hatfield crash. This is now really starting to show results.”

He added the reliability of trains had a real impact on the lives of commuters, including their sleep and relationships.

The latest performance statistics show local train operator National Express East Anglia posted a 91.9 per cent punctuality rate between April 1 and May 2.

This was despite the delays caused when thieves tried to steal cables near the Bakers Lane bridge, in Lexden, on April 23. Many travellers were left facing four hour journeys back from London to Colchester. Train delays totalled 120 hours.

National Express’ annual punctuality rate – defined as arriving at a destination within five minutes of the timetabled time – is 90.4 per cent, compared to 90.6 per cent nationally.

Spokeswoman Ellen Rossiter said: “Train service performance on our network has continued to improve in recent years. But we recognise passengers want greater consistency, especially on our mainline route, where much of our efforts are concentrated in bringing about further improvement.

“The work with Network Rail has delivered annual average punctuality over 90 per cent, and we are working together to improve this still further.”

The national figure is the best performance recorded since records began in 1992.