Regional train service disrupted

Rail travel in the East Midlands has been disrupted due to a lack of drivers, rail bosses have said.

The train drivers' union ASLEF has called a branch meeting in Nottingham which means not enough drivers are available for work.

The mainline Nottingham to London service has not been affected.

East Midlands Trains depends on train drivers volunteering to work overtime to operate the service. The union was unavailable for comment.

'Bitterly disappointed'

The move is not considered industrial action, but the train firm said it was "bitterly disappointed" by the shortage of drivers.

Tim Shoveller, EMT managing director, said he believed the move was linked to a train driver who was recently dismissed for an unrelated matter.

East Midlands Trains apologised for the inconvenience and said a full service would run between Derby and Crewe, but reduced services would run between Lincoln and Nottingham.

Other services will be served by a combination of train and bus services.

Mr Shoveller said: "Since the start of its franchise, East Midlands Trains has successfully operated a system whereby Sundays are staffed by drivers who volunteer to work - this is not unusual within the rail industry."