COUNCILLORS have criticised a south Essex rail operator for “no contingency plans” after a signalling fault forced cancellations and delays across the network.

Train services running on the c2c network were either cancelled, delayed or revised during last night’s rush hour.

This was due to a fault with the signalling system between Pitsea and Benfleet, with stations becoming packed with affected commuters, including Laindon and Leigh.

Gabriel Leroy, Kursaal ward Labour councillor, who was at Leigh station, said on X, formerly Twitter: “I can't believe there's no contingency plans at the school rush hour.

“There's hundreds of schoolchildren who can't get home and literal panic and chaos at the station when it was announced no trains for two-three hours.”

Reacting to Mr Leroy’s post, Lydia Hyde, St Laurence ward Labour councillor, said on X: “Hundreds of stranded children in freezing temperatures at Leigh with no trains, no guards, and no replacement services. Fights breaking out too, where are the British Transport Police?

“c2c, this isn’t good enough.”

A c2c spokesman said yesterday evening: “We sincerely apologise for the disruption this evening.

“If your journey has been delayed by 15 minutes or more, you can claim compensation through our delay repay scheme."