THE west coast train operator Avanti has apologised to rail users for the 'enormous frustration and inconvenience' caused by its current service.

Meanwhile, Cumbrian transport minister Trudy Harrison said that the option remains to withdraw its contract when it comes up for renewal next month.

Cumberland's new council leader has also said that 'something must change' in how the service is delivered.

Amid a reduced timetable, cancelled trains and no advanced tickets on sale, David Mundell, the Dumfriesshire MP, said in the House of Commons on Wednesday: "Passenger confidence has been completely undermined by the unreliability of services."

Mick Whitley, the MP for Birkenhead, spoke of the operator's 'woeful failure' to recruit new train drivers.

And shadow secretary of state Louise Haigh said: "The damage that this shambles is doing to the regional economy and the public purse is enormous."

Avanti West Coast's managing director Phil Whittingham will step down on September 15, according to reports - the same day as more planned strikes.

Cumberland Shadow Authority Leader Mark Fryer has also hit out at the operater.

Mr Fryer said: “This is the most important arterial rail line in the country and the service delivered by Avanti has been very poor.

“But once again the focus is between Manchester and London - the real focus now is how we get top class service on that mainline into Carlisle and beyond.

“Avanti was heralded as the new hope following Virgin – what are we going to do? Just go to another operator?

"Clearly something must change.”

His call comes after the railway provider came under excoriating fire in the House of Commons on Wednesday evening, September 7. Copeland MP Ms Harrison was summoned to answer an urgent question on the future of Avanti West Coast railway services.

Ms Harrison acknowledged that Avanti West Coast's service is not delivering 'certainty and reliability' for rail users in the UK.

She refused to make any comments on any renewal of the contract in October, stating that the Transport Secretary had not yet made a decision - but did indicate that all options were on the table.

The service affects commuters in Carlisle and Penrith - with Avanti operating the major Glasgow to London Euston service that runs through the county.

The train operator also currently runs Carlisle railway station.

A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast said: “We know we’re not delivering the service our customers rightly expect and we apologise for the enormous frustration and inconvenience this causes our customers and communities.

"Our sole focus at the moment is working hard to rebuild our timetable in a resilient and sustainable way.

"Resolving this situation requires a robust plan that will allow us to gradually increase services without being reliant on traincrew overtime, which has fallen dramatically in recent weeks.

"We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding."