West Coast main line: Long delays after Harrow fire

Rail travellers using London Euston station are facing severe disruption following a fire overnight at a timber yard and offices in north-west London.

There is no service on London Midland, Virgin Trains and Southern between Milton Keynes Central and Euston.

Virgin trains to and from Scotland, north-west England, the West Midlands and north Wales are starting or terminating at Milton Keynes.

London Midland is advising its passengers not to travel on the route.

Network Rail said the blaze had damaged a trackside retaining wall that was "in danger of collapse".

"It will need to be dismantled, made safe and rebuilt," a statement said.

"This a big job expected to take all day. The West Coast main line will remain shut between Euston and Milton Keynes while these repairs are made."

BBC transport correspondent Richard Westcott said the repair work was "not a quick job" as the wall can only be accessed from the railway side and special equipment is needed to access it.

Officials have said they are attempting to run a shuttle train service between Euston and Harrow and Wealdstone.

Tickets on the affected routes are being accepted on London Buses and Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink rail services via any reasonable route.

Virgin Trains said its tickets are being accepted on Virgin Trains East Coast, East Midlands, London Midland and TransPennine Express via any reasonable route.

A rail replacement bus service between Milton Keynes Central and Luton Airport Parkway is running for Virgin Trains customers.

London Overground trains between Watford Junction and London Euston are running, but experiencing severe delays.

Southern services between Milton Keynes Central, Watford Junction and Shepherds Bush have been cancelled. This line is expected to remain closed until at least 16:00 BST, National Rail said.

A reduced service is running between Shepherds Bush and Clapham Junction.

Network Rail said: "Passengers wanting to travel on the West Coast main line and West London line are urged to check with their train operator or nationalrail.co.ukbefore travelling as disruption and cancellations are to be expected throughout the day."

Nearly 60 firefighters were called to the blaze in Chantry Place, Harrow, at 23:47 BST on Thursday.

London Fire Brigade said a cordon was put in place at the warehouse fire amid fears that propane cylinders might explode.

font. BBC   UK 

The blaze is now under control, according to the London Fire Brigade, although 12 residents were told to leave their properties as a precaution.