St Albans commuters affected by problems on West Coast Main Line

COMMUTERS travelling to London via the Abbey Flyer line are advised to use alternative routes this afternoon (Friday) following an overnight derailment on the West Coast Main line.

No trains are running between London Euston and Milton Keynes after a freight locomotive derailed at Bletchley overnight.

The locomotive was not pulling any carriages and the driver - the only person on board - sustained minor injuries.

But the train is blocking the lines and has caused damage to infrastructure in the area.

Virgin Trains, Southern and London Midland are therefore unable to run on the line until it is cleared. Engineers are on site and hope to have completed repairs by around 1pm.

It is hoped that two of the four lines will reopen this afternoon but it is likely that severe disruption will continue for the rest of the day owing to the extent of the damage.

London Midland strongly advise passengers not to travel on the Euston line if they can avoid it and to check for updates.

Passengers who usually travel to London via Watford junction using the Abbey Flyer should take an alternative route. London Midland tickets will be accepted on the First Capital Connect (FCC) Thameslink route from London St Pancras to Beford and Luton via St Albans.

Rail tickets can also be used on the London Underground to transfer between the alternative London termini.

There are no rail replacement bus services but scheduled bus services may run from stations (check http://traveline.info/ for information).

London Midland apologies for the inconvenience caused.

If your journey is delayed by 30 minutes or more, you can claim compensation at londonmidland.com/delayrepay