Thousands unable to travel between Scotland and England as flooding causes chaos

Thousands of train passengers are suffering disruption as a major line between England and Scotland is closed due to flooding.

National Rail Enquiries said the West Coast Main Line between Carlisle and Lockerbie is blocked. Operators affected include Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper.

Major disruption is expected for the rest of Thursday.

Avanti West Coast told passengers: “Please do not attempt to travel with us between Preston and Scotland. We’re really sorry if this affects your journey today.”

The company told ticketholders they can travel with other operators such as LNER on the East Coast Main Line, postpone their journey or request a refund.

TransPennine Express commercial director Darren Higgins said: “Due to flooding on the railway line north of Carlisle, train services are significantly disrupted. The safety of our customers and colleagues is our priority and we are urging customers not to travel between Manchester, Liverpool (or) Preston to Carlisle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

“Anyone planning on travelling by train today can choose to defer their travel or claim a refund.”

ScotRail services between Carlisle and Glasgow Central are expected to start/terminate at Dumfries.

A statement from ScotRail reads: “Due to heavy flooding to the railway, services between Glasgow Central and Carlisle will terminate and start back up at Dumfries. They will also run at a reduced speed. There are bus replacements to run between Dumfries and Carlisle.”

Avanti West Coast services have also been disrupted due to the floods with trains between Preston and Glasgow/Edinburgh cancelled. Customers have been warned not to attempt to travel with the operator.

A statement from Avanti West Coast reads: “Do not travel north of Preston. Services between Preston & Glasgow/Edinburgh have been cancelled due to heavy flooding on the railway between Carlisle and Lockerbie blocking the line in both directions.

“Please do not attempt to travel with us between Preston & Scotland.”

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