Rail delays 'until summer 2005'

Virgin Trains say passengers could face delays of up to two hours

People using the main train line between Preston and Carlisle will face delays for the next six months, as the West Coast Mainline is upgraded.

The line will close for 37 weekends from Sunday, with replacement buses in use north of Preston.

Engineering work on the tracks means passengers will have to use replacement buses and coaches instead.

Virgin Trains are warning commuters they could face delays of up to two hours, and to try to use other routes.

'Essential work'

The company is advising passengers to travel via Newcastle or Leeds if possible.

There is also work scheduled south of Preston, which will divert trains via Manchester to Crewe.

A spokesman for Virgin Trains said the work will mean passengers get a much better service in the future.

"It is obviously of concern that we are unable to offer the ideal service at weekends, but it is essential that this work is undertaken so we can get a better service at the end of it," he said.