'Work around the clock' to repair flooded rail line

Passengers are being warned that rail disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the week as repairs to flood-damaged equipment continue.

National Rail said engineers continued to "work around the clock" after the River Nene burst its banks and caused severe flooding at Northampton station.

Signals and other railway equipment were submerged in water for hours during Storm Bert and must be cleaned, repaired and tested before trains can safely run, the body said.

Trains are being diverted away from Northampton, and road replacement transport between Rugby and Northampton - and Northampton and Milton Keynes - will be provided, it added.

Passengers have been advised to check their journeys before travelling due to disruption on the West Coast Main Line through Northampton station.

Director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route, Gary Walsh, said: "We’re working as quickly as possible to repair the extensive damage caused by Storm Bert at Northampton station.

"Our priority is safety, so we’re carrying out rigorous checks and repairs on hundreds of pieces of signalling equipment to ensure everything works properly before reopening.

"Due to the complex nature of this work, we’re advising passengers that journeys through Northampton are likely to be disrupted for the rest of the week and we’re urging people to check before they travel with their train operator."

Paul Diggin, an ex-Saints player who is now involved with the Northampton BBOB Rugby Club, said their club house, near the railway station, had been "wiped out".

He told BBC Radio Northampton that during the big 1998 flood in Northampton about one foot of water had entered the club house.

But over the weekend, he estimated that levels had reached four feet.

He said the club has lost both function rooms, tables, chairs, two skittles tables, the kitchen - gym, changing rooms and a store room with leisure wear and training kit.

"So much has been destroyed," he said.

"It is completely wrecked.. we are going to be struggling for a bit.

"The good thing is [the pitches] drain quite well so as soon as it resides we can get back to training but can't use any changing rooms or toilets, so we are literally 'wanderers rugby'."

Mr Diggin said, like many others in the town, the club would have to wait for their insurance providers before any work could be carried out.

"It's awful, its a community club and we get most of our money from across the bar," he said.

"Everyone is gutted. It is out of our hands how quick it progresses... every day we aren't there working on it is a day closer to the end of the season, it's worrying."

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