Rail company c2c was branded "arrogant", "appalling" and "inadequate" by long-suffering commuters who vented their fury at a public meeting.

They gathered in Basildon's Towngate Theatre at an event staged by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) to voice concerns about services on the Southend to Fenchurch Street line.

Last week, RMT members held their sixth strike to oppose the introduction of driver only operation trains by c2c. They believe the changing role of guards would jeopardise passengers' safety.

Bob Crow, RMT assistant general secretary, said: "There must be two responsible people on the train at all times. Why are there so many signals passed at danger? It's because drivers have too much responsibility. Drivers should do one thing only - drive the train."

Commuter William Devlin, of Mellow Purgess Close, Laindon, replied: "A mistake is going to be made by a train driver because he's got too much on his mind."

Basildon MP Angela Smith tole the meeting: "My constituents have been to hell and back - which is down to mismanagement at c2c."

And Thurrock MP Andrew Mackinlay said: "c2c is a crass, stupid name and it's an absurd railway network. It's appalling, inadequate management."

Nobody from c2c attended the meeting. A spokesman said: "We didn't receive an invitation."

Making a point - MP Angela Smith joined RMT union officials Derrick Marr and Bob Crow at the meeting

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

By Chris Weeks

Reporter's e-mail: chris.weeks@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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