Rail campaigners are today calling for early talks with Govia, which won the new South Central train franchise on Tuesday.

Commuters using the main line from Hassocks to London say it is vital the company is aware of people's concerns so improvements can be put in place as soon as possible.

Margaret Pearce, from Maple Drive, Burgess Hill, regularly commutes to Victoria and says a major transformation is required to improve the service.

She said: "I have been writing letters to Connex for years complaining about the state of the trains and the bad service we have been getting."

Complaints mainly focus on the number of cancellations and timetable changes, which have tended to hit smaller stations in Mid Sussex.

John Edwards from Keymer Road, Hassocks said: " People in Hassocks and those who use smaller stations such as Wivelsfield and Balcombe have had to put up with so many shifts in their timetable I'm surprised they are able to get a train at all.

"I hope the new company will be aware that because a train is running late there is no excuse for the guard saying they will not be stopping at a smaller station so they arrive at a destination on schedule. That does not help the people who want to get to home or to work.

Mr Edwards wants Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames to speak to the new company to stress the strength of feeling amongst rail users.

Mr Soames, who has used his seat in the Commons to highlight the problems facing Mid Sussex commuters, said he would be watching developments closely. He added: "It is inevitable that Connex should lose their franchise. I very much hope that Govia will provide a significantly improved service."

Mid Sussex Council is also calling for a noticeable improvement in performance.

Council leader Christopher Snowling, said: "The council is looking forward to meeting with Govia at the earliest opportunity and working closely with them on a number of important issues.

"We would like to see improved rail services right across the district and hope that, given the length of the franchise granted, a longer term view can now be taken."

The Strategic Rail Authority stripped Connex of the franchise because it was not satisfied with its performance. Govia will take over next year when it begins its 20-year franchise.