Rail passengers face more disruption after power outage as UK house prices stagnate

Network Rail says most North West services are running after a power cut, but passengers face further disruption. Lloyds also reports UK house prices were flat in July.

Rail passengers facing more disruption after power outage

Train passengers across the Midlands and north-west England face the threat of further travel chaos today after a power outage ground trains to a halt. Network Rail said further disruption is likely today because many trains and their crew “are not where they would normally be after this unexpected incident”.

The disruption means some trains will be delayed, cancelled, or sent on revised routes across the network. Network Rail’s engineers have been working to fix signalling issues caused after electricity cut out in the main control hub for north-west England’s railways, the Manchester Rail Operating Centre, which led to widespread cancellations and delays to services.

“I’m extremely sorry for the disruption today and the very difficult journeys many people have experienced. Our engineers are working tirelessly to restore the signalling systems impacted by the power cut at lunchtime.”

Chris Wright, Network Rail’s North West route director, said yesterday:

Railway operator Northern said its “do not travel” alert first issued on Thursday afternoon would remain in place until 10am on Friday, as “some services will be amended and may not be able to run at all”.

Network Rail’s service status page Photograph: Network Rail

Disruption in the Greater Manchester and north west of England expected until noon

Disruption to rail services in the Greater Manchester area and the north west of England is expected to continue until 12:00pm, according to the latest update. The disruption between Newport and Cardiff is due to .

Normal service was restored between Preston and Lancaster, on the West Coast mainline, shortly after midnight.

Preston railway station Photograph: Christopher Thomond/

Network Rail says rail services are largely restored across the North West

Network Rail said that “most train services across the North West are running this morning” after yesterday’s power cut, but warned there is still a risk of disruption.

The operator said some TransPennine Express services continue to be affected as trains and crew return to their normal positions following yesterday’s disruption, suggesting there could be problems travelling between major cities in the region today.

Passengers planning to travel this morning are advised to check before they travel using National Rail Enquiries or their train operator’s website for the latest travel information.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience following yesterday’s power outage and the disruption it caused across the North West.

“Our engineers worked through the night to restore signalling systems and recover the railway, and I’m pleased that most services are now running this morning. While some passengers may still experience disruption, we’re continuing to work closely with train operators to return services to normal as quickly as possible.

“Anyone planning to travel this morning should continue to check before they travel for the latest information.”

Chris Wright, Network Rail’s North West route director, explains:

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, London Northwestern, Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales were all hit by yesterday’s power outage.

Introduction: UK house prices are stagnant

Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of business, the financial markets and the world economy.

The Iran war is continuing to have a dampening impact on the UK’s property market, as persistently high borrowing costs restrain buyers. Lloyds has reported this morning that average house prices were flat month-on-month in July, and only up by 0.1% compared with a year ago.

Emeritus professor Joe Nellis, head of economic research at MHA, points out that affordability is a ‘huge challenge’ facing potential buyers, explaining:

“According to Lloyds Bank’s Affordability Review released late last year, the typical first-time buyer house costs nearly 6 times average annual earnings. For aspiring homeowners, the biggest hurdle is no longer simply finding the right property – it is raising a deposit and passing increasingly demanding mortgage affordability tests.

Although the Bank of England has left interest rates on hold so far this year, mortgage rates have fluctuated as the Middle East conflict has raged, with higher oil prices threatening an inflationary spike.