'Do Not Travel' plea as railways set for more Sunday chaos

Northern Rail are advising passengers not to travel on the Stalybridge to Wigan North Western line on Sunday.

A lack of train crew means that there will be delays and cancellations throughout the day, along with short notice changes to timetables. 

As well as affecting services in Stalybridge, it will also impact those travelling from Ashton-under-Lyne railway station.  

Rail replacement buses will not provide cover. 

It is the latest in a series of Sunday disruptions on the region’s trains, with staff shortages causing havoc. 

“For routes that are operating we encourage everyone to plan ahead and check journeys before travelling, particularly last trains of the day which may be earlier than usual and may be cancelled at short notice,” says a statement from the operator.  

“If you do travel, please leave yourself plenty of time to do so and don't rely on last services.” 

Other routes Northern Rail have asked people to avoid on Sunday are: 

Liverpool - Wigan - Blackpool North 
Manchester Victoria - Clitheroe 
Southport - Manchester Victoria 
Blackburn - Manchester Victoria via Todmorden 
Manchester Victoria - Chester 

The Manchester Piccadilly to Hadfield line has also suffered delays and cancellations on recent Sundays.

“Trains currently showing may not run, our control teams are working to update the train plan, but you should check closer to the time of travel,” Northern added. 

“Recently, our performance and reliability have not been up to scratch and for that we are sorry. We are working hard to improve service reliability.”