RECORD complaints were received by train operator First Great Western in the last year, a damning report is expected to reveal next month.

Almost 94,000 people wrote to the company up more than a third from 67,000 in the previous year and equivalent to two written complaints for every train it runs.

The reliability and punctuality of First Great Western's services are also thought to come in for criticism in the document, which has been written by train watchdog The Rail Passengers Committee for Western England.

It has warned that the company, which operates trains between Swindon and London, must improve its record if it is to hold on to its franchise and successfully bid for others.

Today South Swindon MP Julia Drown, who has campaigned for rail improvements, called for the train operator to give Swindon travellers the service they deserve.

First Great Western is also expected to be accused in the report of manipulating its schedules and adding extra minutes to journey times to cover its back if services are late and prevent it being forced to pay penalties. Its handling of customer complaints is also thought to be attacked.

The report's findings will be passed to the Government-appointed Rail Regulator in the next few weeks, which has the power to fine or prosecute First Great Western if its shortcomings have breached rail regulations.

Sean O'Neill, secretary of the watchdog which represents the interests of passengers and follows up their complaints, said the train operator has been dogged by a poor reputation over the last year.

He said: "Any train company which has had a sustained poor performance and protests from its customers like First Great Western should be worried."

The report's criticisms are the latest bad publicity for the train operator. In September it was revealed only 81.7 per cent of its services were on time in the six months ending in March this year compared to 83.7 per cent the year before.

First Great Western spokeswoman Jo Smyth said: "It is hard to comment on a report we haven't yet received but punctuality and reliability are things we are striving to make improvements on.

"We have invested £80 million on a fleet of new trains which are coming into operation next year and will hopefully increase punctuality for our customers. Obviously some incidents are beyond our control such as the events of this week."