A CLAPPED-out old train was responsible for two breakdowns on the Inverclyde rail line in the space of three days.

One of the 1970s Class 314 models suffered a power failure on Monday afternoon at Bishopton and again on Wednesday evening at Woodhall, causing delays and cancellations to services.

Operators ScotRail have confirmed that it was the same train involved on both occasions and a recurrence of the same fault.

The old rolling stock has been heavily criticised by local passengers for not being up to scratch, especially for having no toilets, wireless internet and a lack of comfortable heating.

Commuters, including Greenock & Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan, have also complained that they are dirty, noisy and uncomfortable.

Rail bosses have said sorry for the breakdowns and urged passengers to apply for a refund.

A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “We apologise to customers who have been disrupted by these incidents.

“Our trains have taken a battering by the weather recently and our engineers work day and night to maintain our trains and keep them moving.

“Anyone who has been delayed by 30 minutes or more should claim compensation via our Delay Repay Guarantee. Just keep hold of your ticket and claim on our website or mobile app.”

The Class 314s, which were built in 1979, were brought in at the end of 2016 to replace some of the more modern carriages after they were taken away to Edinburgh for driver training ahead of the delivery of a £370 million fleet of 70 electric trains.

But the introduction of the new rolling stock - which won’t be used in Inverclyde - has been delayed, meaning local passengers will have to put up with the old carriages until at least early 2019.

The Class 314s were supposed to be taken away in May this year.

A campaign has been launched by Gourock man Alan Holliday, pictured, for the old trains to be taken away and newer models reinstated.

So far more than 400 people have signed an online petition backing the call.