Normal service looks likely to be resumed on Thameslink trains after a row between the operator and Railtrack, the company responsible for the upkeep of the nation's signals and tracks, has been resolved.

In an article which appeared recently in a national newspaper, Railtrack's chief executive Gerald Corbett condemned train operators' punctuality.

He claimed that Railtrack's half-yearly figures showed its performance was improving and problems were down to the operators, illustrating his point by listing national averages.

But Euan Cameron, managing director of Thameslink, which runs trains through Elstree & Borehamwood, said that services had experienced terrible problems recently.

The company refused to take the blame for these problems, and a furore escalated after a statement issued by a Thameslink company spokesman alleged its time-keeping had improved greatly since privatisation -- and that problems on the tracks were caused by Railtrack.

"Gerald Corbett may well be displeased with punctuality but he should try talking to some of the people who really matter -- our customers," said Mr Cameron.

"Over the last few weeks, we and all our customers have suffered many delays and though all the figures aren't in yet, it looks like something approaching 80 per cent will be Railtrack's responsibility.

"This is not an unusual problem." He went on to say: "Of course there are problems in the industry, everyone knows that." Mr Cameron also invited Mr Corbett to Thameslink's Users Group's AGM tonight, adding: "He really does have some explaining to do."

The picture is now brighter after train operators and Railtrack met with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott last week. Martin Walter of Thameslink said: "Mr Prescott has accepted that train operators have got a bigger problem than was foreseen.

"They want improvements but understand that it does take time. There's a more reasonable attitude adopted from everyone's point of view and our services are returning to normal.

"We had been hit very badly by the weather this Autumn and when one service is hit, it causes a domino effect. But it seems to be getting back to normal."

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