Vandals target railway line flood pump

Rail bosses called the attack senseless

Trains are unable to run on a rail line after a drainage pump was sabotaged.

Services between Chester and Hooton have been affected by the vandalism in Ledsham, Ellesmere Port, where part of the track is submerged.

Network Rail said staff were shocked to find the vandals had cut the wires to the pump’s control panel.

Engineers must install a new £30,000 pump - which is essential to track drainage - because they are unablee to repair the damage to the two-tonne machine on site.

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 line 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.

“A report has been made to the British Transport Police who are investigating this criminal act.”

A new pump is being delivered and installed and following checks to see if more repairs are needed, services will resume, Network Rail said.

Passengers are advised to check the Merseyrail or National Rail website and app to plan journeys until the issue is resolved.

Services from Chester to Hooton are suspended