LOCAL MPs have backed a top level warning to North West Trains that if they do not improve services they will lose their franchise.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has told the firm to buck up its ideas or have its right to run services in the region removed.

He and new Transport Minister John Reid have been horrified by the level of complaints about services as jobs have been cut and prices increased.

The firm, which has changed hands twice, has also been accused of regularly cancelling services and down-grading catering facilities.

And today North West MPs Janet Anderson and Brian Iddon backed the tough line taken by Mr Prescott and Doctor Reid.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson said: "I endorse their warning. Poor service is one of the reasons why I have given up using the train.

"I have had dozens of complaints from constituents about the standard of North West Trains.

"The government is entirely right to warn them that unless there is a drastic improvement in the standard of the service, drastic action will be taken.

"Services should be run for the benefit of customers and that is not the case in the North West at the moment."

Bolton South East MP Brian Iddon backed Film and Tourism Minister Mrs Anderson's comments.

He said: "If a rail operator fails to fulfil its standards of service, it should lose its franchise. That was the basis on which the franchise was given.

"If there are problems with North West Trains, it should sort them out.

"If it cannot meet the minimum standards set down, then it should have the franchise taken away and given to someone who can meet those standards."

The government warning comes as the complaints about the commercially run companies hit new heights.

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