Train services affected after 'slow' landslip

Train services in South and West Yorkshire have been affected following a "slow-moving" landslip near a tunnel in Barnsley.

Network Rail said work is ongoing "round the clock" to stabilise the area and to get trains safely running again.

The incident, in a cutting near Woolley Tunnel, near Darton, was reported on Wednesday and services between Leeds, Nottingham, Sheffield and Lincoln have been affected.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "Safety is always our first priority and while we aim to reopen the line for the start of services tomorrow we'll continue to monitor the earthworks closely over the weekend."

Current plans are for the railway to reopen for the start of passenger services on Saturday but with a speed restriction in place.

Though the landslip had not reached the track, Network Rail said 1,000 tonnes of spoil are being removed from the area at a rate of about 60 tonnes an hour.

George Drum, Network Rail infrastructure director, said: "Our teams have been working tirelessly since the landslip was reported to make the site safe and get passengers moving again as quickly as possible."

Northern passengers at Normanton are advised to travel with TransPennine Express to Castleford or Wakefield and change.

A road transport service is also running between Wakefield and Barnsley for passengers at Darton.

Drum added: "We're sorry to anyone whose journey has been affected and grateful to passengers for their patience while this essential work is carried out."

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