A TRAINFUL of beach-goers were left disappointed and confused when they were told their train was cancelled because it was too busy.

Meanwhile, soaring heat spelled disaster on the rails yesterday, as speed restrictions caused delays across the region.

Bethany Swallow, 16, from Ipswich, was one of the many passengers intent on heading to Felixstowe beach to enjoy the glorious sunshine.

She joined a packed platform of people waiting for the 10.58am train from Ipswich to Felixstowe.

The train was 20 minutes late and when it finally arrived passengers surged on board – but the train didn’t move.

Passengers waited a further 15 minutes before an announcement was made telling them the train had been cancelled because it was too full.

Bethany said: “They said it was cancelled because it was too busy and everyone had to get the next one or get a refund.”

The teenager opted for a refund but said “that took ages as well because of the queue”.

A spokesperson for Greater Anglia said: “We apologise to our customers for the problems they experienced with the 10.58am Ipswich to Felixstowe service following the late arrival of this train at Ipswich due to late-running freight services on the Felixstowe line.

“To prevent further late running of the services and subsequent overcrowding, it was unfortunately necessary to cancel the 10.58am service and we apologise that we were unable to provide any alternative transport on this occasion.

“We’re very sorry for the disappointment and frustration this caused to passengers who intended to travel on this service.”

Commuters also faced delays as speed restrictions affected the line to and from London, between Chelmsford and Stratford.

A revised timetable was put in place between noon and 7pm and a number of evening rush-hour trains out of London Liverpool Street were cancelled to free up space on the line.

Passengers delayed by 30 minutes or more are entitled to claim compensation.