FROM today 165 of Northern’s daily train services will be temporarily removed until the end of July.

The figure represents six per cent out of Northern’s normal 2,800 daily services, and the company says the temporary change to its timetable is to help reduce last-minute cancellations.

Northern’s managing director David Brown said: “We have been experiencing some significant disruption to train services, especially around Manchester, Bolton, Liverpool, Blackpool and up to the Lake District.

“I would like to apologise for this unacceptable situation and for the disruption and inconvenience many passengers have faced. We’re truly sorry for this and are working hard to fix this.

“Again I would like to apologise on behalf of Northern for the unacceptable service many customers have been subject to.

“We are absolutely committed to resolving the series issues, and the interim plan will help ensure we start to get back on track and give customers more certainty around the services we operate.”

The areas affected are Lakes Line, Blackpool, Lancashire, Manchester and the Liverpool City Region.