TRAIN users across the region face further misery on Sunday with the cancellation of dozens of services.

Northern released details of services which had been withdrawn on social media yesterday.

Around 80 services are not expected to run with Northern telling passengers to check the latest information before they travel.

The areas most affected will be Liverpool, Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

Engineering problems are being blamed with the train company saying they have “caused severe difficulties around the short-notice scheduling” of train crews.

A spokesman said: “We are sorry that our customers continue to experience some disruption to their weekend services."

Beverley Hughes, Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, said: "It is outrageous that Northern think it is acceptable to keep cancelling scores of services on Sundays. It is no way to run a railway and people in the North deserve better than this.

"By announcing these cancellations late on Friday, Northern have shown scant regard for people planning to travel this weekend, particularly families heading off on holiday from Manchester Airport, who will now have to make alternative arrangements at short notice.

"Enough is enough. We need real answers and an end to this weekly shambles."

Baroness Hughes has now written to Northern after the announcment of the third successive week of Sunday cancellations, describing the situation as "chaotic and unacceptable".

The deputy mayor posed questions to the rail firm about its staff shortages and what is being done to address them, as well as compensation available to those put out by the delays and cancellations.

She also asked Northern if they could reassure passengers that a full range of services will operate next Sunday. 

Baroness Hughes wrote: "As you are no doubt aware the Mayor has had to write to you, the Secretary of State for Transport and Transport for the North on a number of occasions over the past several months, and has also written to the Prime Minister, regarding what has been a chaotic and unacceptable situation. It is disappointing that once again we are having to contact you directly regarding Northern’s services failing to meet an adequate standard."

Planned cancellations can be found on the Northern website or National Rail Enquiries websites.