Trains in Mid Sussex are increasingly unreliable with more passengers standing during journeys and waiting longer for trains to arrive, according to commuters.

A survey by Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames saw questionnaires handed to commuters at Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and East Grinstead stations.

Of the 300 passengers questioned, 61 per cent said train punctuality had got worse and 57 per cent said the provision of seats in carriages had also worsened.

The results of the study, carried out last November, reveal 49 per cent of those quizzed said ticket prices, station parking and the provision of information during delays had declined.

Mr Soames said: "While I cannot claim this is a scientific survey I do believe the results send some very clear messages. I am particularly concerned over the findings on the punctuality and frequency of trains and the provision of seats.

"I am therefore very grateful to everybody who took time to complete the survey and I will ensure their voice is heard when I meet the minister and the train operators to press for improvements."

The three stations are run by South Central, with Thameslink operating trains from Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill.

South Central spokesman Marsid Greenidge said: "We take on board performance has not been brilliant in the past few months.

"As of this year, Network Rail has responsibility for clearing lines and there was initially confusion about when it should send its machinery to remove fallen leaves."

Thameslink's franchise is due to expire in April next year and details of new trains are being discussed as part of the company's renegotiation.

Director of communications Martin Walter said: "One of the biggest problems we face is the capacity of tracks.

"We cannot fit more trains on to the rails and need to create more space for more trains."