Rail chaos for Preston to Manchester Piccadilly journeys expected until end of day

Preston train services to and from Manchester are delayed or cancelled due to damaged overhead lines this morning.

Network Rail says there has been damage to overhead electric wires at the Manchester Piccadilly station, which is affecting services to Preston and Blackpool.

Network Rail says its engineers are on site working to resolve the overhead wire damage, but warns services are likely to remain affected until the end of the day.

"We are sorry to passengers for the disruption this has caused and we are working to get people moving as soon as possible," the station said on X.

As a result, trains running to or from Preston and Blackpool stations may be cancelled or severely delayed by up to 60 minutes, with major disruption expected until the end of the day.

Most operators are allowing affected customers to use their tickets at no extra cost on reasonable routes with other companies to help them get where they need to be.

Avanti West Coast said it is currently not calling at Piccadilly, but tickets for travel today will be valid for travel tomorrow at no extra cost.

Some replacement bus services are being provided and tickets may be valid on alternative routes if trains are cancelled.