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Sunday 8 Dec 2024

Journeys between Stoke and Stafford affected by Storm Darragh repairs

A section of the West Coast Main Line railway between Stone and Norton Bridge remains closed to allow engineers to remove a large fallen tree and repair the damage to overhead line equipment following severe damage from Storm Darragh.

While the repairs take place, there will be no train services between Stoke and Stafford on Monday 9 December. Passengers are being urged to check with their train operators who are providing alternative travel options.

Gary Walsh, Network Rail's West Coast South route director, said: "This weekend, Storm Darragh wreaked havoc on the railway. We've got teams working up and down the West Coast Main Line removing debris that's causing obstructions to passenger and freight services.

"We apologise to passengers that there are no train services available between Stafford and Stoke while complex repairs to our overhead line equipment are made on this critical part of the West Coast Main Line. Passengers looking to travel between Stoke and Stafford should check with their train operator for the latest travel information."

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway, said: “I would like to thank our customers for their patience while Network Rail carries out repairs following the significant damage to the railway caused by Storm Darragh.

“Rail replacement transport will be in operation while the railway remains closed and I would urge our passengers to check their journeys before setting out and allow extra time.”

During the repair works, Cross Country trains that travel via Stoke on Trent will be diverted via Crewe and will not call at Macclesfield and Stoke on Trent station. There will be no London Northwestern Railway trains that travel to and from Stafford via Stoke to Crewe.