Labour's candidate for Carlisle has said that the city is being 'let down by southern-centric decision making' after the west coast main line was shut north of Preston due to poor weather in Scotland. 

Thousands of Carlisle United fans were expected to use the line to get to their fixture against Bolton Wanderers in one of the biggest away following for the club in recent years.

Some trains are still scheduled to run from Carlisle to Preston but services are expected to be very busy.

Labour's cadidate for Carlisle, Julie Minns said “The ink is barely dry on Avanti’s new nine year contract and already we’re seeing the train operator failing to serve Carlisle.

"Flooding in Scotland is not a reason to stop west coast main line services north of Preston, particularly when there are 4,500 Carlisle fans heading to Bolton for today’s match.

"Yet again our city is being let down by southern-centric decision making and it’s completely unacceptable.”

Rail operator, Avanti West Coast, was awarded a contract extension after the government said it had seen ‘significant improvement’ in performance.

Avanti had been under significant pressure to improve after the government twice extended their contract by just six months, but the government has now awarded the company a core term of 3 years and a maximum possible term of 9 years on the West Coast Mainline.

A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast said “Due to extreme weather conditions on Saturday, October 7 customers travelling between Scotland and Preston are advised not to travel.

“There will be no services north of Preston, and as a result other services across the network will be significantly delayed.

“Anyone who cannot travel as a result, will be able to use their ticket on either Sunday 8 or Monday, October 9, although services will be busier than normal.

“Customers can also claim a full, fee-free refund from their point of purchase."