Services run by Lancashire-based rail company suspended

Network Rail has issued the suspension notice after a train failed to stop near junction SN45 at Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire in March when a WCR service between Bristol and Southend overshot a busy junction.

The suspension will run until May 15.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is also investigating.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “This decision has not been taken lightly, however safety will always be our number one priority.

“We have set out a number of actions to address the safety concerns raised and will continue to work with WCR to ensure their services can run safely in future.”

WCR run routes including on the historic Settle-Carlisle line.

West Coast Railways said in a statement on their website: "A recent breach of safety regulations involving one of our trains crossing a red light has lead to discussions by both parties to establish how this happened and more importantly the preventative measures in place to ensure it can’t happen again.

"Although no one was injured in any way West Coast Railways consider this to be sufficient to carry out a full internal enquiry with the support of Network Rail and at this time will not be running trains under their current operator licence. 

"It is our intention, where possible, to run our trips as normal, using the licence and services of other train operators, and to the previously advised times and destinations.

"Should there be any changes, we will advise passengers as soon as possible. Further updates will be posted to reflect any changes. Safety is a primary importance to both West Coast Railways and Network Rail and as such both parties must be absolutely satisfied with the safety measures in place to prevent any such future happenings, through continued discussions and when both parties are satisfied it is hoped that West Coast Railways will resume operation under licence.

"Should you have any questions regarding this please email bookings@westcoastrailways.net."