TRAIN operator Northern Rail has apologised for causing disruption to passengers after a number of services between Carlisle to Barrow and Preston have been cancelled. 

Northern Rail, like other train services, is facing driver shortages while they have to self-isolate during the Covid-19 resurgence. 

Passengers were angry on Tuesday night when the 7.09pm Carlisle to Preston Central was cancelled at short notice.

A number of services continue to be impacted as drivers self-isolate. 

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A passenger who commutes to Aspatria from Carlisle had to wait over an hour to embark on the 8pm Northern Rail train to Whitehaven on Tuesday night (March 29).

The 52-year-old commuter said: "If I had have known earlier the 7.09pm was going to be cancelled I would have made alternative arrangements.

"Sadly I had a bike with me as I live in a rural area near Aspatria station and I ended up cycling home down busy country lanes in the dark which wasn't ideal.

"I understand that Northern Rail have been impacted by Covid-19 but to be told the train has been cancelled at short notice was annoying." 

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A Northern spokesperson said: "We apologise for any cancellations and disruption to our services.

"Short notice alterations can happen for a variety of reasons, including staff absence and whilst the headline grabbing elements of the pandemic may have passed.

"Northern like many other businesses are still impacted by colleagues who are self-isolating."

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