Train passengers delayed by up to 90 minutes

Train passengers were caught up in delays of up to 90 minutes after a signalling problem caused huge disruption to the region's rail network.

At least six trains were cancelled and a further 21 services failed to complete their full journeys because of signalling problems on the Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton line. Rail engineers were sent in to work on the issue at 10.40am yesterday but commuters faced delays up until 3.45pm. All of the services affected mounted up to a total of 28 hours in delays.

Among those affected was Wolverhampton University criminal justice student Adam Cartwright, who was delayed for about an hour after his train to Preston was cancelled.

The 20-year-old, who was heading back to Preston for a shift at the Fox's Biscuits factory, said: "I don't mind waiting for about an hour but it does get to you a bit.

"I travel back to Preston once every few weeks or so and there's never really any problems." Also facing delays was Dr Waiel Bashari.

Cancelled services to Shrewsbury meant the 26-year-old was late for his 4pm to midnight shift at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Dr Bashari was among scores of people who were put on buses to carry them to Shropshire.

He said: "It is a disgrace. No-one was able to give me any information. You can't be late for a shift at a hospital but because of this I am."

Also delayed was 59-year-old Frank Nolan, from London. Mr Nolan, who was heading to Shrewsbury, said: "The delays mean I will won't be able to prepare for a conference I'm attending."

Network Rail spokesman Keith Lumley said engineers were sent as soon as the problem was identified. He explained that four of the trains cancelled were London Midland services.

Virgin Trains spokesman Glynn McDonald added: "Virgin put some coaches on for our customers. We had enough coaches to get people to where they wanted."