Update from Transport for Wales at 1.08pm: "Network Rail have managed to get cover for the signal box so it’s reopened and services are now running again between Shrewsbury and Cardiff. There will still be some knock-on disruption from the earlier cancelled services so passengers are still advised to check before they travel."
Staff sickness is causing disruption to Saturday's train services between Wales and England. The disruption has led to services to west Wales, Manchester and North Wales being cancelled.
Live rail departure boards at Cardiff Central shows several services to and from Manchester, Carmarthen, Holyhead and Milford Haven have been cancelled.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re really sorry to say that we’re having to close Hereford Signal Box for 12 hours owing to short-notice staff sickness. Like all businesses we have been suggesting with staff shortages through Covid and other sickness problems and today, despite exhaustive efforts, we simply can’t find anyone qualified to run the signal box.
“The closure means no trains will be able to run via Hereford between 6am and 6pm, from Shrewsbury, Cardiff and other destinations to and from Hereford. We advise passengers to check with their operator before they travel and, we apologise for the disruption.”
Read next: Live: Wales breaking news plus traffic and weather updates (Saturday, May 21)
All services between these times will be terminating at Shrewsbury in the north and at Abergavenny or Cardiff Central in the south. You can read more of Saturday's latest travel news here.
A Transport for Wales spokesperson said: "Ticket acceptance is being sought with West Midlands Trains, Great Western Railways and CrossCountry to allow customers to travel via any reasonable alternative route. Replacement road transport is also being sourced but this is expected to be very limited.
"Customers are strongly advised to check the latest travel information before setting out on their journey. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
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