METROPOLITAN LINE users say they are frustrated at having to wait up to 25 minutes for services because of engineering works in the Harrow area of the line.

Regular train services to Watford which run every few minutes were reduced to every ten minutes, from Monday, September 24, until further notice. However angry train users, including those who travel to and from Rickmansworth, claim the service is actually running every 20 to 30 minutes.

Mr Chris Longhurst, 22, who commutes to Watford from Pinner each morning, said: "I use this line a lot and have never had to wait more than ten minutes for a train. However, for the past few days the wait has been 25 minutes plus.

Mr Chaz Kitrell, 18, said: "To get to work usually takes me an hour and a half, it now takes about two and a half hours. That means I spend five hours of my day travelling, which is ridiculous."

A London Underground spokesman said: "This work is necessary because recent routine checks have revealed some of the cable in the Harrow area is in poor condition.

Mr Kevin Hafter, London Underground's service delivery manager, said: "We would not undertake these measures at short notice unless it was absolutely necessary for us to do so."

October 11, 2001 20:49

Raj Mattu