Dozens of rail services out of Wigan axed following staffing crisis

Northern has axed a number of rail services out of Wigan

Northern says a number of its staff "made themselves unavailable for work" forcing them to run an amended timetable on a series of route across the North West.

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A spokesman for Northern, said: “Unfortunately we have so far had to cancel around 80 services across our network and it is likely more will be cancelled as we continue to plan our services.

“Routes which will see cancellations have been chosen carefully to make best use of resources and to minimise the impact on customers. On each route customers will either have other rail options via Northern and other operators or will have the provision of rail replacement transport.

“The areas most affected are in Liverpool, Lancashire and Greater Manchester and we would like to apologise to customers whose plans and journeys will be disrupted.

Northern said operational team were "currently working hard to make the best use of available staff and bring others in where possible. Rail replacement road transport will also be used where possible to help try to keep Northern customers on the move".

The spokesman added: “We advise anyone planning on travelling tomorrow to plan carefully, check for cancellations and visit the Northern website or National Rail Enquiries for the most up-to-date information.”

Compensation could be available for anyone delayed by 30 minutes or more.

There will be further disruption across the region.

A total of 18 services between Blackpool South and Colne and Dalesrail services Blackpool and Carlisle have been axed on Sunday.

The company will operate one train every two hours between Blackpool South and Colne, supported by rail replacement buses for those trains facing cancellations.

Both Dalesrail services between Blackpool and Carlisle have been cancelled.

Thirty services between Liverpool and Manchester have been cancelled but Northern customers will still be able to travel between Liverpool and Manchester using Northern services or East Midlands Trains.

Trans Pennine Express services are available between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport.

There will be two part cancellation between Morecambe and Heysham Port. Taxis will be provided for customers travelling between the port and Lancaster.