St Albans MP Anne Main says she has been told compensation will be announced next week for Thameslink passengers caught up in the timetabling problems.

Mrs Main last night met with Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and minister Jo Johnson about commuters’ complaints of cancellations, delays and overcrowding on peak-time train services stopping at St Albans.

She said: “The continuing chaos on the line at the moment is completely unacceptable and that was made clear. I am pleased the secretary of state left nothing off the table, including the status of the franchise.

“I had called for information on compensation and suspending first-class carriages. I was told there will be an announcement next week on compensation for passengers and they will be suspending first-class carriages.

“I am grateful for constituents keeping me up to date and I will continue to press the transport department and Thameslink to deliver a service that is fitting for the huge fees St Albans commuters have to pay.”