Passengers who use or plan to use Wigan North Western station are being advised to plan ahead as both lifts are currently out of service.

A rain leak, caused by Storm Christoph, damaged the lifts and associated equipment, with them currently out of use.

Network Rail are on site, where scaffolding has been erected to assess and repair the roof before they can start on the lifts.

All work is set to be completed by the end of April 2021.

During the lift closures, rail travellers who need step-free access are advised to speak to station staff or to contact their train operator’s Passenger Assistance team:

• Avanti West Coast‘s Passenger Assist team – 08000 158 123
• Northern‘s Passenger Assist team – 0800 138 5560
• TransPennine Express‘ Passenger Assist team – 0800 107 2149

Ticket acceptance is in place for those who require lifts, for Avanti West Coast this is Warrington Bank Quay and Preston.

Senior Asset Engineer for Network Rail Robert Ellams said: “We thank passengers for their patience while we get the lifts at Wigan North Western back up to full working order after the extreme weather this winter.

“We know the work will inconvenience some passengers and I’d urge people to plan their journeys with their train operator while we carry out these urgent repairs to better protect the lifts from heavy rain and make them more reliable for passengers in future.”

Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Wigan North Western Lee Braham said:“We are working closely with Network Rail and industry partners to help customers as urgent repairs to the lifts at Wigan North Western are carried out. Our teams are on hand to assist customers travelling to and from Wigan North Western but we strongly recommend customers plan ahead, check before they travel and leave extra time for their journey. We would like to thank customers for their patience while Network Rail get the lifts back to full working order.”

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