AN MP is calling for trains on the c2c line between south Essex and London to run later at weekends.

Rochford and Southend East Tory MP James Duddridge said trains which are available until 1am or 2am on Fridays and Saturdays would make getting home cheaper and safer for revellers.

He has raised the issue informally with the police and Southend Council who gave a positive response and will lobby the Government over it.

The last c2c train from Southend Central to London leaves at 11.15pm on weekdays and 11.20pm on Saturdays, while the last train from Fenchurch Street to Southend leaves at 12.25am and 12.40am respectively.

Mr Duddridge, a Government whip, said: “One of the biggest problems in the town centre is alcohol abuse and the related chaos on the streets in the early hours.

“One of the flash points is taxi ranks when people are trying to get home.

“One thing we can do is provide more late-night trains, primarily on Friday and Saturday nights.

“A lot of people like to come and go at a slightly later hour rather than rush off on crowded public transport.

“It’s a much more civilized way to enjoy Southend and a cheaper and safer way to return home.”

The c2c line to Fenchurch Street is run by National Express and the franchise is up for negotiation in autumn 2011.

Mr Duddridge said he will ask the Department for Transport to include the late-night trains proposal as terms in any future tendering process, but he hoped c2c would stay in National Express hands.

He said: “c2c is very keen to tender for the new line.

“I would support that because it is a very positive operator.

“As part of the tendering process we should insist that later trains are put on.

“Like weekend services, it won’t be incredibly profitable for operators, but it’s part of what we should expect from a socially-responsible train service.”

c2c spokeswoman Ellen Rossiter said: “The specification of a future franchise is a matter for the Department for Transport.”