Southeastern has insisted there is no underlying problem with staffing after more trains were cancelled because of unavailable crew members.

Last month we reported how the firm had apologised after a spate of disrupted services.

On Tuesday, at least four trains to and from the Island were cancelled again because of a lack of staff – and that follows a number of incidents the previous month.

Services were also cancelled yesterday afternoon and evening.

A spokesman for Southeastern said it does have procedures in place for unauthorised absences such as disciplinary measures but said it’s not a problem exclusive to Sheppey.

He said: “We are not singling out Sheerness – it’s not a particular problem for there.

“We monitor complaints received and there were just two [recently] about that service.”

He said he would encourage any users who are unhappy with the service to make an official complaint, either via the Southeastern website, by contacting its call centre or filling out a form, which can be picked up from any staffed station.

If a journey is delayed by more than 30 minutes, passengers are entitled to compensation.