More Sunday chaos for Euston rail passengers

Travellers hit by the cancellation of Sunday rail services could face further travel misery in the coming weeks, it was feared today.

London Midland scrapped more than 500 services across its network yesterday, including all trains in and out of Euston, because about 150 drivers and conductors failed to volunteer for work.

The cancellation came a week after the rail firm stopped paying its staff double time for working on a Sunday.

There are now growing fears that thousands of commuters could face a similar situation next weekend and in the coming months.

Conservative MP Mark Pritchard has asked Transport Secretary Lord Adonis to investigate.

London Midland, which operates more than 1,200 services a day, said only 40 of the 220 staff needed to cover yesterday's services volunteered to work.

The Rail Maritime and Transport Union called for staffing problems to be addressed "as a matter of urgency".

A London Midland spokesman said the company would not know if services would be cancelled next Sunday until later in the week, when staff indicate if they are available to work.