Reckless vandalism to drainage pump causes railway disruption on Merseyrail trains

Trains between Chester and Hooton are unable to run after a drainage pump was sabotaged in Ledsham, Ellesmere Port.

Network Rail workers attending the scene of flooding in the area were shocked to discover the drainage pump had been disabled by vandals, who have cut the wires to the pump’s control panel.

Unable to repair the damage to the two-tonne machine on site, engineers must install a new pump, costing the taxpayer an estimated £30K.

The pump is essential to the drainage of the track in the area, which is susceptible to flooding.

Services between Chester and Hooton have not been running today as recent rainfall has flooded the track, which is now completely submerged in places.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “I am disgusted by this senseless act of vandalism, which has caused rail disruption for our passengers, and increased the busy workload of our front line teams during a period of very heavy rainfall.

“We are working to install a new drainage pump as soon as possible to clear the water and get passengers on the move between Chester and Hooton again.

“A report has been made to the British Transport Police who are investigating this criminal act.”
A new pump is being delivered and installed. Once it is up and running, engineers expect the flooding to resolve. Following inspections and any further repairs needed to the railway, the line will reopen between Chester and Hooton.

Passengers are advised to check the Merseyrail or National Rail website and app to plan journeys until the issue is resolved.