Train passengers are bracing for significant disruption after thieves stole over £100,000 worth of high-voltage cable from railway infrastructure during the Christmas period.
Impact on Rail Services
Network Rail has confirmed that services between Chorley and Bolton will face delays and cancellations this weekend as workers replace the stolen cables and retest the system. Routes to Preston are also expected to be affected. The theft occurred in Lostock, Bolton, disrupting a major project to electrify the line between Wigan and Bolton that began in 2022.
The incident comes just one week before the line was scheduled to be energised for the first time on New Year’s Day. Engineers discovered the theft when they arrived at the site to carry out routine work.
Network Rail’s Response
Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s capital delivery director, expressed frustration and apologized to passengers for the inconvenience:
I am very sorry to passengers who will be impacted by the rail closure between Chorley and Bolton on Sunday. It is extremely frustrating for this crime to take place so close to the energization of the line.
Our teams have been working very hard to deliver this upgrade for passengers over several years, including over this Christmas period.
Network Rail is collaborating with British Transport Police to increase security measures and investigate the theft. The goal is to locate and prosecute those responsible for the disruption.
Passenger Advisory
Passengers are advised to check the National Rail website or consult their train operators for updates on how the closure may affect their journeys. Network Rail also reminded travelers of the dangers of electrified routes, which carry 25,000 volts.
Ongoing Weather Disruptions
The cable theft adds to an already challenging weekend for UK travelers, as dense fog has caused widespread delays and cancellations at airports, including Gatwick and Manchester. Over 100 flights have been disrupted due to limited visibility.
National Highways has warned drivers to exercise caution in the misty conditions, using dipped headlights and demisters to ensure safety. While the fog is not significantly affecting major roads, it has contributed to delays across the country.
This combination of theft, weather disruptions, and rail delays is set to make travel a frustrating experience for many in the lead-up to the New Year.
