TRAIN bosses were hoping services on the commuter lines back to Medway would be back to normal for the evening rush hour following this morning's chaos.

Thousands of passengers were stranded at stations along the main line routes up to London because of ice on the tracks.

Mike Gibson,spokesman for Southeastern, said the decision to suspend the operation was made at about 5.30am and re-started at 8.30am.

Problems arose overnight with the combination of ice, sleet and sub zero temperatures, particularly bad, in the Kent coastal areas.

Although Network Rail used its de-icer on the tracks, the points and conductors still froze over.

Last night a train got stuck between Canterbury and Faversham just after 11pm leaving passenegers stranded on board for more than three hours. with no power or heating.

Mr Gibson said mid-morning:"We are hoping to have as normal services as possible at this evening's peak time. Our priority is the safety of our passengers and to ensure we get them home safely.

"Obviously, we apologise to anyone affected."

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