TRAIN services between Bolton and Preston are returning to normal after an earlier electrical fault lead to major disruption.

This morning, commuters faced rush hour chaos when a fault on the line between Chorley and Blackrod meant that trains were cancelled and replaced with buses.

The fault was fixed by Network Rail at about 7.30am and trains were running as normal, but the problem happened again at 10.30am.

On both occasions replacement coaches were provided for passengers between Bolton and Preston.

The fault was fixed for the second time at about 2.30pm and normal working has now been resumed, although the earlier disruption may have a knock on effect.

A Northern Rail spokesman said: "Whilst normal working has begun again, we are expecting some residual delays that may run into the peak time services.
“There is also likely to be some staff misplaced from the earlier cancelled services.”