TRAIN operator c2c have apologised for what they termed ‘awful service’ this morning.

Trains were cancelled and delayed during rush hour following signal and point failures.

Services between Shoebury and London Fenchurch Street were delayed by up to an hour following a signal fault at Pitsea and point failure at Hornhcurch.

Managing director of c2c, Julian Drury, said: “I am very sorry for the awful service on Monday morning, two separate failures combined to cause heavy delays and crowded trains.

“First, new points installed by Network Rail over the weekend as part of Pitsea Junction replacement failed to work correctly when they were switched on.

“Second there was a signalling electrical failure near Dagenham East.

“I have made clear to Network Rail how unacceptable this was. “They realise how badly they have affected customers’ day’s and are urgently reviewing the rest of the programme for Pitsea Junction to prevent a repetition.”

Greater Anglia and London Underground’s district line accepted c2c tickets on “reasonable routes” and the delays lasted until around 12pm.