TRAIN operator First Capital Connect has created almost 6,000 more seats on commuter services in Crow country.

Plans for more frequent and faster services as well as longer trains will come into force from December 12, as part of a government funded plan to cease over-crowding on trains.

Royston’s commuters are to benefit from an extra 2,350 seats per day, encompassing the lengthening of the 8.34am service from four carriages to eight, which will create 300 extra seats.

In the evening, there will be two new non-stop, 12-carriage, services going from King’s Cross to Royston, at 5.44pm and 6.14pm.

Two more evening services from King’s Cross have been lengthened from four carriages to eight.

North Herts East MP Oliver Heald, who has lobbied in parliament for the increase and has met representatives from First Capital Connect, expressed his joy at the plans.

“I am absolutely delighted with this, as over-crowding on our line has been a major problem,” he said.

“Although the timetable changes have improved things, what we really need is 12-carriage services, which we have now.

“This is great news for hard pressed commuters of the area.”

The plans also include the lengthening of the northbound platform at Royston, which will allow for the 12-carriage services.

Other service changes for Royston residents include a service into London at 9.34am and the last train back from London on Saturdays moving from 12.04am to 12.15am.

Villages in the area will also benefit, with Ashwell and Morden station gaining 1,200 seats per day.

Foxton, Meldreth and Shepreth have each gained 800 seats per day, but none of these will come in the morning.

Instead, the new 5.44pm and 6.14pm services will call at the three villages, although the 5.52pm service will not.

Managing director at First Capital Connect Neal Lawson said: “Our extra trains will give residents in Royston one of the most significant increases in capacity on our route, especially at the busiest times of day.

“With a newly-extended platform and two new 12-carriage-long services home in the evening, Royston wins with 2,350 more seats from 12 December onwards.”

To download timetables and further details of the station, visit www.moreseats.co.uk.