Cable theft causes disruption for Leicester to Birmingham trains
Rail passengers travelling between Leicester and Birmingham are being warned to expect delays of up to 30 minutes after thieves stole 100-yards of track-side cabling.
Three trains were cancelled this morning due to the theft, which involved the removal of copper cabling used for the route's signalling system. A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "We received a report of a theft of 100 yards of copper signalling cable from the Watling Street/A5 underbridge, south of Hinckley, at about 7.15am.
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"In the interests of safety, two trains from Leicester and one from Birmingham had to be cancelled."Officers are on the scene this morning and we'd appeal for anyone with information about the theft to get in touch."
Cross Country Trains, which operates the route, visiting Hinckley, Narborough, South Wigston, Leicester, Melton Mowbray and Oakham, said: "A signalling problem is causing disruption between Nuneaton and Hinckley.
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"Because of this, journeys between Birmingham New Street and Leicester may be delayed by up to 30 minutes. These delays will continue until further notice."To find out the impact on your journey call TrainTracker on 0871 200 49 50 or visit National Rail Enquiries on Twitter, or Facebook.
Comments
by Neil0123
Friday, November 30 2012, 6:33PM
“Why do we need so much cable these days? Is it not possible to transmit the signal status wirelessly from the signal box to the signal rather than send it down a wire? Unless the signal is underground (as in New Street station) then can't they use something similar to a mobile phone network to keep the signals updated?”
by Banksider33
Friday, November 30 2012, 5:15PM
“Agree with you jonger, but I think passengers would have more sympathy for the rail industry if they were told that cable had been stolen, rather than there being a 'signalling problem' which tends to be rather vague and can err on the side of a fault created by Network Rail.”
by jonger
Friday, November 30 2012, 11:54AM
“Thieving scum - obviously getting in quick before the law changes and "cash for scrap" is stopped.”