RAIL operator Northern is 'working hard' to help train crew back to work, with staff sickness causing disruption for passengers in Furness.

The company said it had a level of staff sickness higher than the industry average and is working with its occupational health provider.

It comes after Barrow's MP Simon Fell blasted the operator for 'abysmal' train services in the area.

Mr Fell said he had been inundated with letters from constituents complaining of delays and cancellations.

In a letter, he called for the company to come up with a plan to improve services.

In response, Northern has said sorry for recent disruption.

Craig Harrop, the company's regional director, said: “We are in contact with Mr Fell and have apologised to him for the impact recent performance and reliability of our services between Barrow-in-Furness, Carlisle and Lancaster has had on his constituents.

"The principle cause of this disruption remains the level of traincrew sickness, which is above the industry average."

"Progress is being made to increase our available resources and we are working hard with our occupational health provider to assist colleagues back to work.”

Passengers have complained of continued poor service travelling between Barrow and Carlisle and Barrow and Manchester.

Fears have also been raised around the reliability of trains for children in Furness who use the railway to travel to and from school.

In his letter, Mr Fell said:  "It has become clear that there is a serious issue when it comes to the local rail services from delays to cancellations to a lack of replacement services, and something must change.

"Over the last year, my mailbox has been inundated with both complaints and demands for answers from Northern about what you will do to alleviate these pressures and transform the service into one that works to the benefit of all parties, including service operators and passengers.

"Whilst I am aware that I have already written several times in the past to Northern to get a response about the worsening situation, and whilst my office has always had a thorough response and explanation from you and the team, I am yet to see demonstration of any improvements."