A company has been appointed to improve trains and carriages on the London Overground line serving Enfield Town.

Transport for London has awarded Bombardier Transportation the contract to upgrade trains on the Enfield Town to Liverpool Street line, which passes through Bush Hill Park, Edmonton Green and Silver Street.

The service has been beset by delays, cancellations and shortened trains since TfL took it over from West Anglia on June 1.

However, TfL believes there is cause for optimism with the announcement of the partner, and says and 45 new trains will operate on the Enfield Town line as well as the Cheshunt and Chingford routes by 2018 as part of the £260million upgrade.

Trains inherited by TfL are said to be more than 30 years old and “not in a good condition”. Some £2million will be spent refurbishing the existing trains.

The new trains in 2018 will be bigger and come with air conditioning.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson MP said: “This brand new fleet of trains will enable London Overground to carry a growing number of passengers more reliably and speedily than ever.

“The award of this contract is good news not just for London Overground customers but for UK plc as well. By investing in new trains here in the capital, TfL is helping to support jobs and skills in Derby and right across the country.”

Assembly Member for Enfield Joanne McCartney, who spoke out against the early problems on the line, said: “Commuters have understandably been frustrated by the disruption to their journeys caused by delays and overcrowding on this new service.

“I raised their concerns with the Mayor some days ago and it’s reassuring to see that TfL have listened and are committed to making the much needed improvements.

“I’m pleased that TfL plan to fulfil their promise to put new trains on the West Anglia lines, but in the meantime I’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation to make sure paying passengers get the quality service they deserve.”