Frustrated Portsmouth residents not surprised by city's rubbish railway service

Train trips to and from Portsmouth are among the most consistently delayed across the area, according to a study by railway expert Sir Michael Holden.

The news has come as no surprise for frustrated city commuters, who have said their journeys are regularly blighted by delays and disruptions.

Stagecoach employee and Portsmouth resident Russell Hedem has witnessed a long history of delays on the journey from Cosham to Portsmouth.

The 38-year-old said: '˜It's always an hour late. It's getting worse at the moment, until the weekend, anyway.'

Unemployed Jake Robinson, 23, of Cosham, had similar problems with the train services.

He said: '˜It's been late once or twice around four days ago, but I've found the Brighton one to be the worst.'

Unemployed teenager Georgia Watts, of Portsmouth, highlighted the inconveniences the train sometimes has on her commutes.

The 19-year-old said: '˜I get the train about three times a week - it's often delayed by about ten minutes. Sometimes I'm late to where I need to be'.

Oriana Gorrin, 30, of Fratton, was more positive about the services although said she still faced the occasional delay.

The teaching assistant said: '˜The connection that I take to Portsmouth Harbour tends to work really well. It's sometimes late, but not on a daily

basis.'