AN MP has called on the Transport Secretary to diverted unwanted trains to the struggling Sussex network.

A fleet of 30 Class 707 trains has been ordered by South West Trains and they are due to be entered into service by the end of 2017.

However, the new operator of the South Western franchise has said that all of the new Class 707s will be replaced by Aventra trains from 2019.

Peter Kyle, Labour MP for Hove, has previously raised the issue and he has now written to the Secretary of State Chris Grayling MP.

He said: “I am writing to you regarding the future of the fleet of 30 Class 707 trains which South Western Railway plans to replace in 2019.

“As you know, the Class 707 trains were ordered by South West Trains, and entry into service was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017. However, the new operator of the franchise has confirmed that all of the new Class 707s will be replaced by new Aventra units from 2019.

“I am deeply concerned that the new trains could be retired from service after barely two years, at a time when rail infrastructure and rolling stock in the South East region is suffering from chronic under-investment.

“This would constitute appalling value-for-money for passengers.”

He has called for the nearly new trains to re-directed on to the busy Sussex network.

He said: “I urge you to take steps to encourage the use of the Class 707 trains on coastal routes in the South East.

“As the busiest and most economically important rail network in Britain, the South East route is in dire need of modernisation, and I hope you will agree that the introduction of new train stock would be an important step.”

The use of the 707 trains for just two years, at an estimated cost of £200 million, has been criticised by unions.

Mick Cash, from the RMT, described it as a “cast-iron example of the crazy world of rail privatisation” and he called on the government to undertake an urgent investigation.

He said: “No one even knows what is going to happen to the dumped rolling stock and what the cost of this fiasco is going to be.

“This is a scandal of huge proportions. If the government think they can wash their hands of this shambles then they need to think again. The whole debacle nails down the arguments as to why we need public ownership of our railways to end this carnival of chaos.”

Calls for the nationalisation of Britain’s railways have been getting stronger over recent years with Jeremy Corbyn making it one of his election pledges. Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas, has also voiced her support.