Rail bosses have invoked the wrath of train passengers after suggesting disabled customers at Chessington South could use alternative stations five miles away.

In response to questions levelled by former MP Andrew Mackinlay, about lack of access to the station, South West Trains said disabled passengers should instead rely on "nearby" Surbiton, New Malden or Worcester Park stations.

That would mean travelling 3.2 miles to Surbiton, five miles to Worcester Park and 5.3 miles to New Malden.

Ian Hogben, of Filby Road, Chessington, whose daughter uses a wheelchair, said: "It's unreasonable.

"Why should the disabled have to book when other people just travel to the station and get on a train?"

Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey said train bosses' attitude was unacceptable.

He added: "This is something we've been working on for a long time and it's deeply frustrating.

"It's really simple to get this done."

Conservative parliamentary candidate James Berry called the operators' response "flippant".

He added: "South West Trains clearly needs to look at disabled access to its stations across Kingston as a matter of priority."

Chessington North and Hook councillor Margaret Thompson said the operators' response was "absolutely outrageous".

She added: "I've been pushing for disabled access at Chessington North since I've been a councillor."

A Chessington World of Adventures spokeswoman said: "The resort welcomes thousands of registered disabled guests every year, and would be supportive of any developments that benefit access for local residents."

A spokesman for South West Trains and Network Rail said: "Most of the rail network was built many generations ago when the needs of disabled passengers were regrettably not taken into account and we are working hard to put that right.

"However, resources are finite and we have a duty to focus first on schemes that will help the most passengers and also deliver the best value for money to the taxpayer.

"We will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate options to improve accessibility at Chessington South."