Cows on the tracks cause major delays on West Coast Main Line

Thousands of train passengers were delayed after a herd of cows blocked one of the UK’s busiest railway lines for more than four hours.

The West Coast Main Line was blocked in Staffordshire between Lichfield Trent Valley and Rugeley Trent Valley after the animals were reported around 8.57am.

This caused delays and cancellations for Avanti West Coast and Lumo services between London Euston and Scotland, as well as London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands

There were difficulties contacting the farmer responsible for the animals, it is understood, and passengers are being warned to expect disruption until 4pm.

Tickets are being accepted on certain alternative routes, and road transport is also being provided.

One stranded passenger posted on X to ask: ‘How long does it take to move cows off the line?’

A Network Rail spokesperson said: ‘At around 9am this morning we received a report of cows on the line near Armitage, between Lichfield and Rugeley.

‘This resulted in some train services through the area being delayed and disrupted.

‘Our teams attended the scene and, with assistance from farmers, were able to resolve the situation around 1pm.

‘Normal working will now resume. We are sorry to those affected by this disruption.’

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