Rail passengers on the main line between Norwich and London faced severe disruption throughout yesterday after overhead cables failed once more. Services were reduced throughout the afternoon and during the peak evening period as operator One was forced to operate on a single track following the failure at Kelvedon.

Rail passengers on the main line between Norwich and London faced severe disruption throughout yesterday after overhead cables failed once more.

Services were reduced throughout the afternoon and during the peak evening period as operator One was forced to operate on a single track following the failure at Kelvedon.

All services were cancelled between 3pm and 4pm as Network Rail struggled to correct the problem.

Among those whose journey was disrupted was North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb. Mr Lamb boarded a 12.30pm service from London, only for this to be cancelled.

He then had to use the 1pm service which was delayed at Ipswich before he was finally forced to board a replacement bus service at 3.30pm from Whitam.

He said: "This scenario is becoming all too familiar. Travelling to and from the capital is increasingly become a chore for those who have to do it on a regular basis.

"Invariably this fault with overhead cables is the cause and we need reassurance from Network Rail that the planned improvements will take place as soon as practicable."

One spokesman Peter Meades apologised for the inconvenience caused but said he hoped full service would be restored by this morning.

He said: "Unfortunately, there was little that could be done without closing the line and that inevitably caused disruption. We are in the hands of Network Rail.

"Network Rail has announced plans to carry out improvement work on the overhead cables and the first phase of that is due to take place after Christmas.

"But we have no further news on when the rest of that work will be carried out."