Investigation begins into continued works on West Coast Main Line

11.48.49am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 3rd Jan 2008

Virgin Trains have already complained about the works

Mark Hunter local MP for the Cheadle constituency today supported the Office of Rail Regulation in their inquiry into the ongoing maintenance works on the West Coast Mainline, which have caused severe delays for thousands of passengers. Despite Network Rail's promise that engineering works would be completed in time for normal services to resume by New Year's Eve, they have still not been completed and are causing chaos and delays for thousands of customers travelling to London.

Virgin Trains have already lodged a complaint with the rail regulator after Network Rail announced on 21st December that the works would run into New Year's Eve. The maintenance works have now run on for a further three days and completion has still not been guaranteed. Virgin Trains are advising travellers to avoid using West Coast Mainline services until the works have been completed by Network Rail.

Speaking on this issue Mr Hunter (who has the West Coast Main line running through his Cheadle constituency) said: "There have been yet more unacceptable delays on the West Coast Mainline with Network Rail failing to effectively plan and manage the engineering works.

The works have left thousands of passengers stranded and delayed at the start of the New Year. This is totally unacceptable and adds insult to injury as these disruptions fall at a time when rail customers are facing huge increases in rail fares.

Thousands more people will be left stranded and delayed today as the works continue and what is worse Network Rail have failed to confirm that the works will be finished by next week. Quite frankly enough is enough, we need swift action from Network rail to resolve this problem, a proper investigation into why these works were so badly planned and managed, and compensation for the thousands of customers who were disrupted by this upheaval."