A major theft of power cable from a railway line between Preston and Bolton has resulted in significant disruption to trains heading to Manchester Airport. The signalling cables were taken over the Christmas period, resulting in the closure of all lines between the two stations. Limited rail replacement buses have been put in place to help travellers reach the airport from Blackpool, central Manchester and other destinations. A Network Rail spokesperson said that the work is expected to be completed by around 6pm this evening.
Less trains than usual will be in operation today between Blackpool North and Preston, with some rail replacement buses helping those travelling in either direction. The theft has also impacted other services, including those moving between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport. Passengers with Northern tickets are advised that they can use the Avanti West Coast service and the TransPennine Express service free of charge, with no additional fees.
Network Rail is currently working with the police to identify those who are responsible for the theft, which comes at a time when Northern services across the region have already been affected by train crew shortages. The power cables that were stolen provided power to the overhead line equipment, which powered electric trains across the tracks. Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s Capital Delivery Director, said that he was sorry for the disruption caused. He added: “We are working closely with the British Transport Police to provide additional security measures and to find and prosecute those accountable.”
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