NORTHERN Rail has warned customers that disruption is likely for the weekend as the rail operator continues to feel the impact of coronavirus.

The past week has seen a number of front-line staff test positive for the virus, while others have been forced to self-isolate.

As a result, services in many areas are likely to be affected between Friday and Sunday – with Cumbria set to face the most significant disruption.

Saturday will see several planned cancellations on services on the Cumbrian Coast line and between Barrow and Manchester Airport, while many Lancaster – Morecambe services will be removed.

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, said: “A high proportion of staff based at Barrow and Workington have been instructed to self-isolate. 

"This has exacerbated issues we were already experiencing in the region following an increase in the number of employees who have either tested positive for Covid-19 or have had to enter a period of self-isolation.

“Many of these colleagues are drivers and conductors and, as such, we are left with no option but to cancel some services this week in Cumbria and north Lancashire.

“We are doing all we can to provide the best possible service for customers in extremely difficult circumstances and, where we are not able to run rail services, we will have replacement buses on standby to get our customers where they need to be.”

Northern is also advising customers to expect busier services on Saturday night, particularly in larger towns and cities, following the Euro 2020 quarter final between England and Ukraine.