Inquiry is to be held into East Anglia rail delays

The cancellation of almost 160 rail services between Norwich and Great Yarmouth will be the focus of a new inquiry.

Rail expert John Curley has been tasked with looking into the cause of the disastrous diesel train failures across the region last month.

Abellio Greater Anglia, which operates rail services across Norfolk and Suffolk, and Network Rail commissioned Mr Curley to find out what caused the problem – and how it could be prevented in the future.

Trains stopped running between Norwich and Yarmouth over a four-day period in November due to their wheels being damaged by wet leaves on the lines.

And passenger services at two Suffolk branches were suspended for 13 days after Abellio ran out of diesel trains due to repairs.

Rail minister Claire Perry said: 'Together with Abellio Greater Anglia and Network Rail, the department [for transport] is very disappointed with the train service that has been provided to passengers on a number of rural routes in Anglia this autumn.

'In particular, the level of cancellations on branch lines operated by diesel trains has been unacceptable.'

A spokesperson for Abellio said: 'Network Rail and Abellio Greater Anglia recognise the need to fully understand the reasons why the issues that affected train services on some routes this autumn were worse than previously experienced.

'Undertaking an independent review is an important part of that process in seeking to learn the appropriate lessons and to assist in avoiding any future recurrence.'

Were you caught up in the delays this autumn? Email luke.powell@archant.co.uk