Customers on Greater Anglia services between Norwich and Sheringham will have to wait until autumn for new trains.

Norwich Evening News: Customers on Greater Anglia services between Norwich and Sheringham will have to wait until autumn for new trains. Picture: Stuart AndersonCustomers on Greater Anglia services between Norwich and Sheringham will have to wait until autumn for new trains. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

On July 22 this newspaper reported on an overcrowded 6pm train between Sheringham and Norwich that has "hundreds" of people on board.

Now, customers who use the service have been told they might have to wait until autumn to see the news trains on The Bitten line.

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused to passengers on the Sheringham line on some busy services recently.

"Unfortunately two of our longer trains are badly damaged and out of service following separate incidents involving a tree on the line and animals on the line. These trains were both significantly damaged and we are working hard to repair them.

Norwich Evening News: Passengers on the 7.47am Lowestoft to Norwich service were the first to experience the company’s new “bi-mode” trains, which switch between diesel and electric power. Photo: Greater AngliaPassengers on the 7.47am Lowestoft to Norwich service were the first to experience the company’s new “bi-mode” trains, which switch between diesel and electric power. Photo: Greater Anglia (Image: Archant)

"We know how important it is for customers to get a seat, but we would rather run a train with one carriage than cancel the service - as that would be even more disruptive to even more passengers.

"The new bi-mode trains which will be used on the Norwich to Sheringham line will all be either three or four carriages long and will also be more reliable.

"The first of these trains have now started to come into service in Norfolk. Their roll-out will continue over the next few months and we expect them to start entering service on the Norwich to Sheringham line over the autumn."

Last month, Lib Dem MP for North Norfolk, Sir Norman Lamb demanded an explanation from the rail firm, following reports single-coach trains were being used on the line at a higher rate than before.

Norwich Evening News: Passengers on a crowded Greater Anglia train from Sheringham to Norwich. Picture: Maz BrooksPassengers on a crowded Greater Anglia train from Sheringham to Norwich. Picture: Maz Brooks (Image: Archant)

Sir Norman said in a letter to Greater Anglia: "The reports of overcrowded service on the Norwich to North Walsham line are incredibly frustrating.

"I'm sure this sentiment is shared by the commuters on the line who are having to endure standing room only conditions too frequently. In the current hot weather, having to stand in an overcrowded train can be incredibly unpleasant."

The Bittern Line connects Norwich to the north Norfolk coast via Hoveton and Wroxham, North Walsham and Cromer before terminating at Sheringham.