Train operator Connex has denied rumours it is planning to run down its West Sussex commuter services after losing its rail franchise yesterday.

The company said London workers who live in the county would continue to get the same quality of travel until May 2003, when the current contract ends.

Commuters had expressed fears that services from Worthing, Littlehampton and Chichester would suffer as a higher proportion of the available money went into running the more profitable Brighton line.

A Connex spokesman said: "There are all sorts of rumours going round. We are going to continue to operate the railways as we were until we relinquish our franchise.

"We are talking to the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority and our successor Govia about the handover. We will continue to do our best in the meantime."

Govia promises to invest £1.5 billion on improving the rolling stock and infrastructure on the South Central network.

Its franchise will last 20 years, with the option of another five years being added at the SSRA's discretion.

Shelley Atlas, chairman of passengers' group Brighton Line Commuters, said: "As far as we are concerned, Connex should keep the services running as normal.

"We would be very annoyed if the company did anything else. There would be no reason for it on their part, as they would be liable for fines."

Connex has run South Central trains since 1996.

In response to Govia's bid for the franchise, Connex had pledged to spend £1.4 billion to improve the network if it was successful.