Trains via Milton Keynes affected after multiple incidents including major fire in Glasgow

Trains on the West Coast Main Line via Milton Keynes have been subject to multiple disruptive issues including a major fire in Glasgow.

Glasgow Central railway station has been closed following a major fire that broke out in an adjacent building on Union Street and Gordon Street next to the station around 3:45pm yesterday (08/03), with Network Rail confirming that the station will remain closed until Wednesday (11/03) at the earliest.

The four story building, which dated back to the 19th century and was B-listed, burned down after a major fire that reportedly broke out in a retail unit at the site, with a major operation by the local fire department required to both put it out and stop it spreading to the adjacent railway station and Central Hotel.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have confirmed over 200 firefighters took part in the operation to put out the fire, in an operation that involved multiple fire engines and an operation to draw water from the nearby River Clyde.

There are no reported casualties, either members of the public or SFRS staff, however the fire has caused extensive damage to the building and the loss of the building’s dome.

While the operation prevented the blaze from burning down the adjacent station, debris caused by the matter as well as measures to stop the spread mean the station remains closed.

In a statement published earlier today, Network Rail said, “Glasgow Central Station remains closed following the fire in a building on Union Street on Sunday.

“While the fire is now under control, emergency services are still on site and we continue to support their response.

“The station will remain closed today and likely tomorrow. Timescales for reopening will only be confirmed once we are able to safely gain access and carry out the necessary checks.

“All services to and from Glasgow Central are currently suspended, and passengers should continue to follow alternative travel arrangements as advised by their train operators.

“We will provide further updates as soon as more information is available.”

Operator Avanti West Coast, who operate trains from Glasgow to London including some which stop in Milton Keynes, has told passengers to use alternative methods to get where they need to be.

In their own guidance, the company said, “On Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 March, the majority of Avanti West Coast trains to/from Glasgow Central will start and end at Motherwell, with no trains able to run to/from Glasgow Central while the station is closed. We’ll provide more information as soon as we can on the impact for the rest of the week.

“Connections to Motherwell are available with ScotRail. You can use your existing ticket at no extra cost from Argyle Street station (a short distance from Glasgow Central) to catch a direct train to Motherwell. From there, Avanti West Coast trains are running to and from London. Please allow extra time for your journey and check before you travel at the link below.

“You can also use your existing ticket at no extra cost on ScotRail services between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh, with onward journeys available from Edinburgh with Avanti West Coast, LNER and CrossCountry.

“Avanti West Coast tickets dated 8-12 March can be used at no extra cost on any Avanti West Coast train on the same route until the end of Thursday 12 March. No longer wish to travel? Due to the disruption, your unused ticket is eligible for a full refund (no admin fee). Claim your refund from where you bought your ticket.”

Further disruption also affected Avanti services heading north from MK. British Transport Police confirmed that a man has been arrested for allegations of trespass after reports of a “person in a precarious position” near to Preston railway station in Lancashire were received by local emergency services at around 9:30am this morning. While lines through the station have re-opened, the issue caused disruption for most of the day for all services in the area.

Another trespass incident was also reported in the area around Stoke-on-Trent, with services affected from first reports that were made at around 5:30pm this afternoon. Disruption has therefore affected all services going to Manchester via Stoke, including Avanti services, with Network Rail anticipating disruption will take place for the remainder of today.