WORKINGTON MP Mark Jenkinson is calling for train operator Avanti West Coast to be stripped of its contract immediately, as the company apologises for the 'frustration and inconvenience' they have caused.

Following an urgent question in the House of Commons, he urged transport ministers to ditch the company, adding that Avanti should not have been given a stay of execution in the first place.

Speaking in the House today December,1 Mr Jenkinson asked Huw Merriman MP, Minister of State for Rail, why the Department for Transport was “delaying the inevitable”.

The operator was given a six-month extension by the Department for Transport prior to its franchise expiring in October, in a move they said was intended to give the company the chance to improve performance.

However, Cumbrian MPs are among those receiving complaints from constituents about Avanti’s poor and unreliable service.

Mark Jenkinson said: “The Department for Transport had placed Avanti West Coast on a short-term contract and has been urging with them to deliver the urgent improvement in services required.

“Unfortunately, this warning shot across the bow has not had the desired effect and we are continuing to see a reduction in the level of service.

“Avanti has chosen short-term cost-saving over driving training. The company were put on notice, and are continuing to fail their customers.

“Avanti should not have been given an extension on their franchise of the West Coast Mainline back in October due to their poor performance. I want to see them stripped of their contract extension at the earliest opportunity.”

Avanti has seen major operational issues primarily caused by a shortage of available drivers.

READ MORE: Avanti West Coast ordered to 'drastically improve' by Government

An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “We know in recent months our customers have not been getting the service they deserve. We are sorry for the enormous amount of frustration and inconvenience this has caused and are grateful for the patience our passengers have shown.

“Over the last few months, our sole focus has been to do everything we can to return to a more resilient operation which delivers more services for our customers and communities.

"Crucially, the new timetable which is being introduced this month is based on a robust and sustainable roster for our people without reliance on overtime, and has been achieved by working with our people and the unions.

"It provides a better working pattern for staff and our customers will benefit from more trains, greater connectivity and tickets on sale much earlier.”

READ MORE: Government could intervene if no improvements made by Avanti