Campaigners have raised nearly £5,000 to get a second train to run on a 160-year-old railway line in a bid to reduce waiting times for commuters.

Abbey Flyer Users’ Group launched a crowdfunding campaign to highlight the need for a second train to run on the 6.5 mile railway line linking Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey stations, also known as the Abbey Line.

David Horton, chairman of the group, believes a second train will “significantly reduce” the time between trains from the present 40 minutes to potentially just 20 minutes.

The group has so far raised £4,821 to cover the cost of researching the idea, as well as working out where the passing loop should be and the costs to build signalling and potentially a second platform at Bricket Wood station.

Members are now calling on people to support their campaign and help get the amount up to £6,000 before it closes on December 4.

Richard Haywood, crowd funding campaign co-ordinator said: “We have done amazingly well to get to the 75 per cent mark and with two weeks to go, we are full steam ahead trying to raise awareness and to get others as passionate in improving the rail service between St Albans and Watford as we are.

“I think it is going to go right down to the wire to see if we raise the full amount or not - we are very hopeful but we are not resting on our laurels yet.”

To find out more, donate or just to show your support, visit the campaign page: https://www.spacehive.com/abbeylineloop