There are delays on the railway around Blackburn this morning due to a points failure.

The issue between Blackburn and Bolton is affecting trains on the Clitheroe to Rochdale line today (January 2).

The 07.17am service from Blackburn to Rochdale is currently being held at the station. The 07.32am train from Blackburn to Clitheroe is also delayed.

The 08.18am to Rochdale has been cancelled at Blackburn, Darwen, Bromley Cross, and Hall-i-th-Wood, and will start at Bolton.

Northern say disruption is expected until around 10am.

A spokesperson said: "Due to a points failure between Bolton and Blackburn, train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed.

"Network Rail engineers are en route to the area to try and rectify the issue with further updates to follow.

"Train services are unable to call at stations between Bolton and Blackburn in both directions and train services will be affected as follows: 

  • Clitheroe/Blackburn to Manchester Victoria - Train services will divert via an alternative route between Blackburn and Manchester Victoria and will be unable to call at stations between Blackburn and Manchester Victoria via Bolton
  • Manchester Victoria to Blackburn/Clitheroe - Train services will divert via an alternative route between Manchester Victoria and Blackburn and will be unable to call at stations between Manchester Victoria and Blackburn via Bolton

Update: The points failure has been fixed and services are back to normal