Rail passengers in the north have been warned to expect "significant" changes to services after Christmas and into the new year.
Rail operator TransPennine Express has advised customers across the north and into Scotland to plan ahead because of planned Network Rail engineering work. Work to the infrastructure will impact services between December 27 and January 2 across different parts of the network.
There will be significant changes to services with fewer trains running than usual and rail replacement buses in place on some routes. Those with plans to travel by rail during the week after Christmas are strongly urged to plan ahead, check their journey very carefully and allow extra time as journeys will take longer.
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Customers travelling between Scotland and Liverpool or Manchester via Preston on New Year's Day should travel only if their journey is essential.
Industrial action has been announced by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers in the run up to Christmas and during the first week of January. Strike days include December 13, 14, 16 and 17, and January 3, 4, 6 and 7.
Kathryn O’Brien, customer service and operations director for TransPennine Express, said: "The engineering work being carried out in multiple locations across the north by Network Rail over the festive period is key to maintaining the railway for all those that use it. We’ve worked closely with Network Rail and other train operators to keep as many customers moving as possible, as we know many rely on our services to see friends and family at this time of year, however these works will have a big impact on our services, with significant changes for many.
"I would urge anyone planning on using the train between 27 December and 2 January to check their journey very carefully ahead of time, and to allow plenty of extra time if travelling – with those intending to travel between Scotland and Liverpool/Manchester on New Year’s Day 1 January urged to do so only if their journey is absolutely necessary."
TransPennine Express added services will finish earlier on Christmas Eve and none will run on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
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