COMMUTERS frustrated over plans to run less trains on an already “poor” service have until just 5pm to answer a consultation.

Great Northern want to run 12 instead of 15 trains between Grange Park and Moorgate during the chaotic morning rush hour.

Its consultation also proposes 12 instead of 13 trains in the evening and four instead of five trains between 7pm and 7.59pm.

But the 180 people who attended a meeting at St Peter’s Church, in Vera Avenue, Enfield, say the plans are “pointless and inconvenient”.

The meeting was chaired by MP David Burrowes and attended by three representatives from Govia.

People said reducing the trains during peak times would be “detrimental” to commuters, businesses and the community because it is in an area with a growing number of working families.

They fear passenger journeys are underestimated because of the lack of barriers, so people with freedom passes or travel cards do not tap in and out.

At the meeting, one person said: “The main issue at Grange Park is the current limited frequency of service, which is equally as important as train capacity.

“New larger capacity trains don’t negate the need for a frequent service during peak times.

“Both a reduction in the morning and evening peak would be disruptive to commuters.”

A petition against the proposals has been signed by more than 840 people.

To respond to the consultation, click here.

To sign the petition, click here.

Great Northern’s Passenger Services Director Stuart Cheshire said: “I’m sincerely sorry that passengers have not been receiving the service they deserve.

"While we had over nine out of 10 trains arriving on time yesterday and almost as many today, we have been beset by wet leaves, crushed onto rails by passing trains into a slippery Teflon-like substance, and also signal problems which Network Rail is trying to address.

"We explained to councillors why there are also occasional cancellations caused by drivers being taken off duty to learn to drive new trains as we start to replace 75 per cent of Great Northern’s trains with new air-conditioned carriages.”

The Enfield Independent is awaiting comment from Govia.