Cable theft causing Thameslink rail disruption

Updated



Cable theft causing Thameslink rail disruption
Cable theft causing Thameslink rail disruption

PA


Signalling chaos following a cable theft is causing delays and cancellations in Bedfordshire, said First Capital Connect.

Its Thameslink service between Bedford and Luton has been "greatly reduced" and, according to the company, services may be "cancelled, delayed by up to 90 minutes, or revised at short notice".

A replacement bus service has been provided for stations between Bedford and Luton.

Roger Perkins from First Capital Connect apologised for what he described as a "very, very difficult time" for commuters.

He told the BBC: "Last night there was deliberate criminal attempt to steal cable from an area north of Flitwick.

"Twenty three of the 109 trains we use every morning are still trapped in sidings so we can't run any services in or out of Bedford.

"Network Rail is looking at the damage at the moment and working on it and the latest information is that they hope to have the problem fixed by lunchtime ."

One commuter trying to get from St Albans to Bedford told BBC Three Counties Radio that he was now more aware of the problems cable theft causes.

"I really get the sense today of what it costs when cable is stolen from railway lines. The guys are doing their best in fairness, but the buses were a bit chaotic and it was a bit disorganised."

Bedfordshire Police said: "Stealing or attempting to steal cable is extremely dangerous and anyone who has information about the incident is asked to come forward."

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