VANDALS have caused major disruption for train passengers in Cheshire West after damage to a drainage pump left staff unable to clear flood water.

Trains between Chester and Hooton are currently unable to run after a drainage pump at Ledsham, Ellesmere Port was disabled.

Network Rail workers attending the scene of flooding in the area were shocked to discover that wires to the pump’s control panel had been cut, rendering it useless.

Unable to repair the damage to the two-tonne machine on site, engineers must now install a new pump, costing the taxpayer an estimated £30,000.

Wires on the drainage pump had been severed.Wires on the drainage pump had been severed. (Image: Network Rail)

The pump is essential to the drainage of the track in the area, which is susceptible to flooding.

Services between Chester and Hooton have not been running today (Friday, October 18) as recent rainfall has flooded the track, which is now completely submerged in places.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said:

“I am disgusted by this senseless act of vandalism, which has caused rail disruption for our passengers, and increased the busy workload of our front-line teams during a period of very heavy rainfall.

“We are working to install a new drainage pump as soon as possible to clear the water and get passengers on the move between Chester and Hooton again.

“A report has been made to the British Transport Police who are investigating this criminal act.”

A new pump is being delivered and installed. Once it is up and running, engineers expect the flooding to resolve. Following inspections and any further repairs needed to the railway, the line will reopen between Chester and Hooton.

Passengers are advised to check the Merseyrail or National Rail website and app to plan journeys until the issue is resolved.