COPELAND MP Trudy Harrison has hit out following a day of chaos for rail passengers.

Mrs Harrison was one of those held up today due to cables being stolen between Carnforth and Lancaster, meaning she missed important meetings in London.

She said the signal problems meant a "hokeycokey experience" with passengers get off the train then back on and also waiting for a bus to arrive, for no bus to come.

There has been problems with the Northern rail service over the past few weeks with many services being cancelled or delayed.

"Better communication and advance warning would at least provide passengers with a choice of whether to embark on their journeys, but ultimately this service needs an urgent and serious sort out," said Mrs Harrison.

"Train conductors and station staff were trying their best to provide the little information they could, but clearly they were in the dark, just like us passengers – it's incredibly difficult for all concerned.

"I have sent messages to the Whips office to notify them, once again that I will be missing important meetings, but I’m just one of hundreds of Cumbrian commuters at their wits end with this abysmal service - hardly a service fit for the 21st century."