RAIL users in Cumbria planning to use the west coast main line are being told not to travel this afternoon following damage to overhead wires.

In addition to the damage of the cables in Lancashire, a broken down train is also blocking routes north of Preston via Carlisle to Scotland.

A replacement bus service is in operation for passengers affected at Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme near Kendal to help those complete their journeys on cross-border routes between Scotland to Manchester and London.

A spokesman from National Rail Enquiries said: "Major disruption is expected to last until the end of the day.

"Damage to the overhead electric wires and a broken down train in the Lancaster area is resulting in all lines being blocked between these stations.

"Please allow for alterations, cancellations and extended journey times of up to 180 minutes."

We've put together details on what to do if you're affected by the disruption...

Northern Rail advice for customers:

  • Limited train service is in operation between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness in both directions.
    • Replacement road transport is operating between Oxenholme Lake District and Windermere, and from Preston to Lancaster.

TransPennine Express advice for customers:

  • TransPennine Express are advising customers not to travel.
  • Replacement road transport is in place to operate between Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Edinburgh, Glasgow.

Virgin Trains advice for customers:

  • Virgin Trains are advising customers not to travel.
  • Tickets for Virgin Trains customers are being accepted on the following services: LNER services between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh (Please note trains through York are also being disrupted), ScotRail services between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central, Northern on any reasonable route, and CrossCountry between Birmingham New Street and Edinburgh.