Train services disrupted as heavy rainfall causes flooding on railway lines

Train services have been hit by flooding as heavy rainfall batters the UK. Passengers are facing disruption on several lines across the North West this evening.

Flooding has left railway lines between Crewe and Chester blocked, with disruption to services expected for the rest of the day. Rail replacement coaches are currently running in place of Avanti West Coast services between the two stations.

Northern train services between Wigan Wallgate and Southport have also been affected by flooding.

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There is also major disruption to a services across Wales. Transport for Wales reported flooding across its network, with cancellations near Cardiff, Wrexham and Shrewsbury.

Trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised, National Rail has advised.

In a statement on its website, it said: "Your journey will take significantly longer than normal. Please check your entire journey is still possible before setting off today.

"If you are unable to complete your journey today, you'll be able to use your ticket to travel tomorrow, Thursday 17 October, at no extra cost. Major disruption is expected to continue until the end of the day."

There have been heavy downpours across the country throughout Wednesday. A yellow weather warning was in place covering the whole of Greater Manchester while a 'severe' flood warning was issued for an area close to Lee's Bridge in Astley Bridge, Bolton.