Residents will be given a chance to grill railway executives managing key commuter routes between St Albans and London.

Representatives of Govia, which operates the Thameslink line, and Network Rail will attend St Albans Council’s planning, resources and housing scrutiny committee in early February.

Members of rail user groups, the Association of Public Transport Users and the Train Suffererjettes, will also be in attendance to give their views on behalf of travellers.

A wheelchair user who regularly uses the route will be present to talk about his experiences.

Committee char Cllr Roma Mills said: “The state of the Thameslink service is a massive issue for the tens of thousands of people living in the District who commute to London.

“There have been persistent problems with delays, cancellations, driver shortages and overcrowding while fares continue to rise and were recently described as being among the most expensive in Europe.

“I am sure many people will want to take this opportunity to find out what Govia and Network Rail have been doing to improve services and what they are planning to do in the future.

“I welcome any questions that our residents want me to put to the rail company executives on their behalf.

“I am sure there will be a wide range of concerns.”

The meeting will be held in the council chamber at the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, on Thursday February 2 from 7pm.

Anyone who wants to raise an issue can do so by emailing scrutiny@stalbans.gov.uk by Monday 30 January.

Questions can also be sent by post to the Scrutiny Officer, St Albans City and District Council, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL1 3JE.