St Albans MP Anne Main has met with representatives of Thameslink to discuss controversial changes to train timetables.

The meeting was arranged following an announcement last year that East Midlands Trains would stop calling at Bedford and Luton on their London services from May, meaning Thameslink services could have 3,200 additional passengers.

The rail operator guaranteed that from May St Albans will have more 12-car trains in the morning and evening peaks.

In the morning there will be 17 12-car trains compared to nine now, with an additional 3,464 seats. In the evening there will be 18 12-car trains compared to eight now, with an additional 3,160 seats.

Mrs Main said: “Any changes of this scale will of course bring about concerns for commuters. However, I am pleased that continued pressure on Thameslink and the government has resulted in firm guarantees for passenger services from St Albans.”