Multiple train services in Greater Manchester were cancelled on Monday evening (December 22) due to ongoing severe disruption on the network, caused by train faults and staffing issues.
A fault on a train between Preston and Bolton blocked lines at around 6.50pm, leading to cancellations and delays for services running through those stations, Northern Rail confirmed. National Rail stated that the fault occurred at Adlington, causing delays of up to 50 minutes.
Affected services include the Blackpool North to Manchester Airport and Windermere or Barrow to Manchester Airport routes. The 5.48pm and 7.17pm services from Manchester Airport to Blackpool were cancelled, while other services between Blackpool and Manchester Airport faced severe delays.
Northern also warned of severe disruption to services between Manchester Oxford Road, Bolton and Wigan. Five services, including the 6.03pm, 7.56pm and 9.03pm from Southport to Oxford Road, and the 7.27pm and 9.30pm from Manchester Oxford Road to Southport, were cancelled due to a crew member being unavailable.
Northern lifted ticket restrictions in affected areas, including Advance and Peak restrictions, until the disruption ends. Passengers with cancelled tickets can travel on any Northern, TransPennine Express or LNER service within two hours before or after their scheduled departure.
