Shropshire train commuters face day of delays to Birmingham after power line and signal problems

Electric cables had been damaged yesterday lunchtime near Smethwick Galton bridge station causing delays lasting into the evening rush hour.

But problems persist today as due to the damage fewer trains are able to run on some lines between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton.

Commuter Gina Iddles said she left Wolverhampton at 6.27am only to be told the train would not be stopping at New Street.

The train was instead sent to wait at Birmingham International and passengers asked to catch a train back to New Street.

Network Rail apologised for delays caused to passengers'journeys this morning.

Train operator London Midland said services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed.

Officials, in a statement on the company's website, said disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Virgin Trains said further problems had been caused due to a points failure between New Street and Birmingham International.

The problems had been fixed by around 7.30am but delays remained.

London Midland also advised its services were affected by the signal problems.

Ticket were being accepted on National Express West Midlands buses, Chiltern, Virgin, Cross Country and the Midland Metro.

But Midland Metro officials also advised that there were delays on the services as commuters switched to trams to seek alternative ways to travel between the cities.