by political editor Paul Francis

Kent MPs have renewed their calls for rail operator Southeastern to be denied a two-year extension of its franchise and have pressed the government to fund an independent audit of its performance.

Twelve of the county’s MPs met transport minister Theresa Villiers yesterday to express their unhappiness over the company’s performance ahead of a decision expected next month about whether it has secured an automatic extension to its franchise.

The MPs gave vent to their anger at performance of the operator during the big freeze, the failure to offer compensation payments and the higher rail fares facing thousands of commuters.

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After the private meeting - described by one present as seeing a series of feisty exchanges - Thanet North MP Roger Gale said the minister had agreed to ask the Treasury to fund a full independent audit of the company’s performance figures, amid continuing disquiet over the services’ punctuality and reliability.

"The minister has, at our request, agreed to ask the Treasury for the necessary funding to submit the performance data submitted by Southeastern to wholly independent scrutiny.

"Put quite simply, there would not appear to be a single Kent MP who is still prepared to take the train operator or its figures at face value."

He added: "We remain adamant that we do not wish to see the Southeastern franchise extended by even the two years provided for in the agreement and we most certainly do not wish to see the franchise re-awarded to a company that those that we represent believe has failed them."

The decision over whether the operator should get an extension is tied to strict franchise regulations that mean Southeastern would be entitled to continue running services if it met certain targets.

The so-called ‘continuation review’ has already been completed and a decision is due next month.

A spokesman for Southeastern said: "Our focus remains continuing to improve the punctuality and reliability of the service for our passengers and also improving communication with them during times of disruption."

"As Roger Gale has acknowledged, Southeastern is bound by its contract with the Department for Transport which sets out a range of issues including regulated fares, punctuality targets, compensation arrangements etc.

"We’re always happy to discuss with the DfT any changes they would wish to make."