Thousands of homes in Staffordshire still without power

Crewe railway station was evacuated due to damage to its roof and falling debris

Homes across Staffordshire and Cheshire are still without power following heavy winds on Wednesday.

Western Power Distribution (WPD) said it is working to restore supply to 2,300 homes in the Stoke-on-Trent area.

Commuters also faced delays after gale-force winds brought down trees and power lines, affecting a number of roads in the region.

Train services at Crewe station were also disrupted after the building was evacuated during Wednesday's rush hour.

'New Year' demand

Ken Gibbs from Virgin Trains told the BBC disruption to services could continue throughout Thursday, after train crews were held up by Wednesday's bad weather.

Staffordshire Police said a number of roads had been blocked by fallen trees

"As long as Network Rail can tell us the routes are open we'll try and run a full service," he added.

Ch Insp Jonathan Staite, from Staffordshire Police, said the force had received a high volume of calls on Wednesday.

"Yesterday we received the same amount of demand... as we normally have on a New Year's Eve," he said.

The A532 West Street in Crewe was closed in both directions due to an unsafe building.

Services from Crewe to Liverpool Lime Street had been suspended until at least 10:00 GMT, Network Rail said. A replacement bus service was in place.

However rail services between Wolverhampton and Stafford have since restarted after they were suspended because of overhead wire problems.