Trains start running between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury again after signalling cables stolen
Trains were again cancelled between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton on Wednesday morning after signalling cables were stolen at Telford Central station and damage was caused by fire.
Two days after staff sickness at a signalbox in Shrewsbury prevented trains from running along the key route linking Shropshire and the cities of Wolverhampton and Birmingham, the theft in the early hours of this morning led to the cancellation of morning services along the route. Rail replacement buses were run along the route instead.
Trains started running along the route again between 10am and 11am after several hours of cancellations and road replacement bus services.
Kevin Siddell, Network Rail’s North West and Central region head of crime and security, said: “We’re sorry to passengers impacted by signalling problems between Shrewsbury and Telford after a suspected metal theft.
"Cabling which controls traffic lights for trains have been badly damaged by fire. We’d like to thank Shropshire Fire and Rescue service for their swift response to extinguish the flames and prevent any more damaged being caused.
“A limited number of trains are now running while our engineers continue to make emergency repairs. As delays are expected for the rest of today, we’d urge people to check National Rail Enquiries before they set off on their journey.
"We are working closely with the British Transport Police and will assist them in every way we can as they investigate this incident.”
