West Coast Mainline trains delayed

Rail passengers on the West Coast Mainline in Lancashire were facing frustrating delays this evening after the southbound track was shut for safety checks around rush hour.

By The Newsroom

Published 10th Apr 2018, 18:16 BST

Updated 10th Apr 2018, 19:21 BST

Virgin Trains issued a statement saying the line was closed between Oxenholme Lake District and Lancaster “until further notice” while staff checked overhead power lines.

A spokesperson said: “Due to a safety inspection of the track between Oxenholme Lake District and Lancaster the south-bound line will be blocked until further notice.”

Passengers, many stuck on trains heading towards Lancaster and Preston, tweeted the company desparate for news about how long they would be delayed.

But there were conflicting replies from Virgin staff. One said the blockage was expected to clear before 6.30pm, while another told a passenger “We are hopeful this will be resolved by tomorrow.”