PASSENGERS using the Metropolitan Line have to endure the oldest rolling stock in London, causing lengthy delays and frustration.

Now, Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas is demanding better facilities for his constituents.

The Metropolitan Line's oldest trains were first used in 1961, but the last time any new trains were introduced was in 1965.

Mr Thomas raised his concerns about the route, which runs through Harrow and Wembley, in the House of Commons.

However, the answers given by John Speller, MP, the minister for Transport, have only highlighted the problems caused by under-investment in the Underground.

"The performance of the Metropolitan Line is an operational matter for London Underground but I recognise that it has been declining in recent years," Mr Speller told Mr Thomas last week.

"We recognise that the age of the stock means that newer rolling stock will be required, as is the case for many of the other lines of the network."

But Mr Thomas had hoped to prise an assurance that the Met Line is targeted for early investment.

He later added: "I will continue to press the government and Transport for London to make investment in the Metropolitan Line's track, signalling and rolling stock a high priority. The age of the trains we have to sit in is quite clearly a cause of many delays."

The government is expected to make an announcement this week on investment in London Underground.