Landslip and flooding cause railway chaos

A landslip and flooding are causing ‘major disruption’ for railway passengers in Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas of South Cheshire

Trains are currently unable to run between Stafford and Crewe due to a landslip blocking all lines between the two towns. Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway services are affected.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “A landslip between Stafford and Crewe has resulted in all lines being blocked. Disruption is expected until the end of the day. Trains are currently unable to run between Stafford and Crewe.”

“Some services will be diverted via an alternative route or be cancelled. Journey times may be extended by up to 90 minutes. Trains and stations are likely to be very busy during this disruption, which may make social distancing difficult. London Northwestern customers are advised not to travel.”

“Avanti West Coast services will be unable to call at Wilmslow as a result of the diversion.”

Rail replacement buses are serving sections of the route.

Meanwhile flooding in Alsager has resulted in East Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway Services between Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe being delayed or cancelled.

Network Rail said: “Flooding at Alsager has resulted in all lines being blocked between Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe.

“Trains are currently unable to run between Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe. Disruption is expected until approximately 8pm.

“Rail Replacement buses have been sourced to run between Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe. The buses will call at all intermediate stations (Longport, Kidsgrove, Alsager). Please see station staff for directions to their location.”