Northern urges ‘check before travel’ on six North West routes

Six routes across the North West will be out of operation causing disruption and short notice cancellations, a rail operator has warned.

Passengers travelling with Northern on Sunday are being urged to check before they travel due to a number of affected services across the region.

The company said services in Wigan, Blackpool, Manchester, Southport, Blackburn, Chester, Lancaster and Carlisle may be cancelled at short notice or be delayed.

The train operator said the guidance affecting six routes was due to a train crew being unavailable.

The six routes affected are:

• Wigan North Western – Blackpool North
• Manchester Victoria – Clitheroe
• Wigan North Western – Stalybridge
• Southport – Manchester Victoria
• Blackburn – Manchester Victoria via Todmorden
• Manchester Victoria – Chester

Northern said alternative travel would not be available for the routes listed above.

Last trains of the day are also likely to be earlier than usual and may be cancelled at short notice, it added.

A limited service will run on the Liverpool Lime Street to Wigan North Western route.

The Cumbrian coast line between Lancaster and Carlisle is also expected to see “an extremely reduced service” and Northern said it could not guarantee return journeys.

Those affected can apply for a refund via the Northern website.