'Disgust' as trains unable to run after 'senseless vandalism'

Parts of the tracks are fully submerged after the vandalism
-Credit: (Image: Network Rail)


Trains just outside of Merseyside are unable to run after a piece of equipment was sabotaged. Network Rail confirmed trains between Chester and Hooton are unable to run after a drainage pump was damaged in Ledsham, Ellesmere Port.

Workers who attended the scene of flooding in the area discovered the drainage pump had been disabled by vandals after they cut the wires to the pump's control panel. Workers are unable to repair the damage of the to-tonne machine on site and engineers must install a new pump which will cost the taxpayer an estimated £30,000.

The pump is an essential piece of equipment to the drainage of the track in the area which is susceptible to flooding. Services between Chester and Hooton are not running today as recent rainfall has flooded the track which is now completely submerged in some parts.

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Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “I am disgusted by this senseless act of vandalism, which has caused rail disruption for our passengers, and increased the busy workload of our front-lines teams during a period of very heavy rainfall. We are working to install a new drainage pump as soon as possible to clear the water and get passengers on the move between Chester and Hooton again.

Wires to the pump's control panel have been cut
Wires to the pump's control panel have been cut -Credit:Network Rail

“A report has been made to the British Transport Police who are investigating this criminal act.” A new pump is being delivered and will be installed. When it is up and running engineers expect the flooding to clear. Following inspections and any further repairs needed to the railways, the line will then reopen.

British Transport Police was approached for comment.