COMMUTERS were left stranded after weekend engineering works over-ran into the morning rush-hour.

Upgrade work took place in the Colchester area throughout the weekend as part of a £7million project to improve reliability.

The track was due to be clear by 4am on Monday, but late-running meant passengers were told to stay away during the morning peak.

Chris Richards, vice chairman of Manningtree Rail Users Association, was delayed three times by the engineering works and said Network Rail was to blame.

He said: “They have failed to communicate what exactly went wrong leaving Abellio Greater Anglia to deal with the fall out early on Monday morning.”

A Network Rail spokesman said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused."