Train disruption continues between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent after '30m of overhead cable' damaged

Railway services between Manchester Piccadilly and Stoke-on-Trent are continuing to face major disruption this evening after 30m of 25,000-volt overhead lines were damaged.

The stretch of electric cable - which is used to power up trains from above – was damaged earlier today in Cheadle Hulme. Some of the railway line was also damaged.

Commuters in Stockport and Macclesfield were earlier warned of disruption, with some services cancelled or facing delays of up to an hour. Passengers have been warned that services between Stockport and Hazel Grove are still likely to be delayed this evening due to levels of congestion.

READ MORE: Hundreds of people affected as huge power cut reported in Stockport

Network Rail has apologised to passengers and said no services between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent will run for the rest of today (February 21) whilst engineers are on-site to fix the damage. Repair work is expected to carry on throughout the night.

A number of replacement bus services between Prestbury, Adlington, Poynton and Bramhall, Cheadle and Wilmslow remain in operation this evening, whilst passengers being asked to check with their rail provider online before travelling on any of the affected routes.

Kara Wood, Network Rail’s North West route head of performance, said: “I’m really sorry we’re unable to give passengers the service they expect and deserve today. Our engineers are working as fast as they can to fix the fault with the overhead electric cables in Cheadle Hulme.

“As this will run for the rest of today and overnight, I’d urge anyone travelling today to check with National Rail Enquiries or their train operator before they set off for the latest information.”

Avanti West Coast services between Manchester