EARLIER trains from Braintree station have been pledged by the company running the region’s rail service until 2025.

Last week it was announced Abellio East Anglia, which took over the franchise in 2012, had been granted a nine-year extension after promising a £1.4 billion investment.

Ambitious pledges include services to Ipswich in 60 minutes, new trains built by Bombardier, free Wi-Fi on trains and stations, less crowding and more weekday services, including from Braintree.

Braintree MP James Cleverly has pledged to hold Abellio to these commitments after hearing of concerns from commuters.

He said: “I’m pleased that the concerns have been recognised in the bid from Abellio, the new rolling stock and reliability targets should go a long way to address these concerns.”

However, David Bigg, chairman of the Witham and Braintree Rail Users Association, said Abellio was not the group’s first choice and questioned the details put forward in their proposal.

He said: “They have got an awful lot to do, there are fundamental problems with the service.

“We would have preferred that the franchise went to a new company so that we could start from scratch. I have seen no details as to how they are going to keep up with the extra services they are planning. The devil will certainly be in the detail. I would like to see an awful lot more from Abellio.”

Councillor Lynette Bowers-Flint, deputy cabinet member in charge of planning and housing at Braintree Council, added: “These improvements will help us attract new businesses into our district, bring more money into the area and provide our residents with high quality employment opportunities.”