ACTIVISTS descended on train stations across Tendring to protest against a 3.1 per cent hike in rail fares.

Members of Clacton Labour Party were at Clacton, Walton and Frinton's train stations on Wednesday to campaign against the inflation-busting price increase.

Max Morris, chairman of the branch, said the rise will hit commuters in Tendring “particularly hard”.

A season ticket from Clacton to London Liverpool Street will rise by more than £175.

Mr Morris said Labour members were joined by supporters as they spoke to commuters at the stations.

He said: “The message from commuters is clear, we have to end this rail chaos now.

“It is not good enough for the government to endlessly make excuses, they need to take responsibility and nationalise the railways now.”

The 3.1 per cent increase will see the cost of an annual season ticket from Clacton to London Liverpool Street rise from £5,624 to £5,800.

John Smock, chairman of Tendring rail users group Ontrack, said he agreed with unions that the increase is “another kick in the teeth for passengers on Britain’s rip-off privatised railways”.

He said the group "really can't get over" that it now costs £12 for standard day return fare from Walton to Colchester Town before 9am.

Commuters faced massive disruption on the rails on the day season ticket prices were increased after a track defect in the Seven Kings area.

Some trains bound for London were forced to terminate at Colchester and dozens were late by more than 15 minutes.

Passengers had already endured ten days of replacement bus services over the festive period.

Greater Anglia said fares were increasing fares to meet rising costs due to inflation.

A spokesman said: “Our average fare increase is 3.1 per cent, however, we’re freezing our advance fares, which start from just £5 and can be up to 60-70 per cent lower than walk-up fares."

It added that the 3.1 per cent increase only applies to Government regulated fares, such as season tickets and anytime singles and returns.