Rail line shutdown: What they said

Railtrack Scotland's decision to close the West Coast mainline between Glasgow and Carlisle for 72 hours has provoked a wide range of reaction.

Rail operators were furious at being given three hours' notice of the closure and speed restrictions prior to the shutdown.

ScotRail said the move had led to uncertainty for passengers travelling on sleeper services overnight.

There was a mixed reaction from passengers whose sleeper train from Glasgow to Euston was cancelled and from rail experts and politicians.

Passenger Alexander Armstrong: "It's abysmal the way we've been treated. Passengers should have been contacted rather than turning up at the station and finding out at the last minute."

ScotRail managing director Alastair McPherson: "We are Railtrack's biggest customer and if this is their idea of customer service it certainly isn't mine. "

Bruce Crawford, Scottish National Party transport spokesman: "Had there been proper levels of investment earlier this would have prevented this measure now in what is a state of panic."

Passenger Nan Smith: "I phoned various rail information lines but I couldn't get an answer and so we came down here to try and find out what we can do about getting to London tomorrow."

Virgin public affairs director Allan McLean: "Although safety is the first priority for our passengers we are however concerned that the railway has been allowed to deteriorate to the extent that Railtrack has been forced to close it for three days between Gretna and Glasgow."

Rail safety expert Peter Rayner: "I think they are overreacting but that's their decision. It is evidence that they have not managed the infrastructure properly because we wouldn't have these speed restrictions everywhere. "

Passenger Tom McFadden: "I can understand it. It's an operation requirement for the line to be closed. Obviously I'm very disappointed but I've got to appreciate that there's a safety factor."

Scotland Office Minister Brian Wilson: "Safety is obviously paramount and on that basis I must respect Railtrack's judgement although the short notice is extremely regrettable. "

Stuart Francis, chairman of the Rail Passengers Council: "You simply can't do this at the last moment. Safety is paramount, we accept that, and if there is a problem then lines must close - but information is the key."

Ken Sutherland of the Railway Development Society: "This is no natural catastrophe or an act of god - this is years of neglect. Hatfield has exposed a ticking time bomb that has reduced the skimped and stretched ScotRail system to the sick man status of Europe."