Walsall trains cancelled after fire damages signalling cables on Birmingham to Rugeley line
Train passengers are being warned of potential disruption all day after a fire severely damage signalling cables on a Black Country railway line.
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West Midlands Railway has been unable to run any trains between Birmingham New Street, Walsall and Rugeley Trent V alley, meaning all services along the route have been cancelled.
The fire broke out overnight near Bescot Stadium station, damaging a 25-metre stretch of cabling.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We’re working urgently to repair a 25 metre section of cables which will allow us to fully assess further damage caused to equipment."
Although National Rail has said disruption is expected to last until midday, the operator has warned it could continue past that time.
A post on social media this morning said: "Signal Fault between New Street and Rugeley Trent Valley. Due to this all lines are blocked between B'ham New Street and Rugeley TV
"Rail Replacement is in place between Walsall and Rugeley TV. National Express WM are accepting passengers via any reasonable route."
A later update added: "We are anticipating this issue could last throughout the day.
"We have ticket acceptance with National Express between New Street and Walsall."
Trains between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley are not affected.
