WAGN says the work makes the new timetable, due to run from Monday November 20, inoperable. WAGN says the timetable was based on restrictions on the network as confirmed by Railtrack.

However, Railtrack revised these restrictions on Thursday (16 November), based on on-going engineering work, which consequently made this timetable inoperable. These restrictions include new Emergency Speed Restrictions on the route and further closure of the line for engineering work.

WAGN is now waiting to hear from Railtrack when the network will be capable of sustaining the new emergency timetable, which had been fully planned and resourced.

In the meantime, WAGN has been able to offer some short-term service enhancements, which come into effect on Monday (20 November). These are:

• Four trains an hour in the peak serving stations from Hertford North to Kings Cross.
• A dedicated bus service between Stevenage, Watton-at-Stone and Hertford North.

Suzanne Page, General Manager of WAGN's Great Northern route said: 'We are working with Railtrack to bring this new emergency timetable into effect and we will let our customers know when that will be as soon as we can.

'It is frustrating that we were ready to implement a new, enhanced timetable which would have brought significant improvements for our customers, based on the data Railtrack had given us, only to find they had to change their guidelines at the 11th hour.

'I would like to reassure customers that we are using all of our available trains and resources to provide as good a service as possible under the current difficult circumstances.

'When Railtrack takes possession of the routes at the weekend and next week for track works, we will be providing alternative bus services. We apologise to customers for the continuing delays and disruptions but we will endeavour to improve the service when the network allows.'

Copies of the new emergency timetable will be handed at all affected stations when Railtrack gives the green light, and they will be sent out to relevant season ticket holders.

For specific train running information contact NRES: 08457 484950

The two websites to keep checking for rail news are WAGN's and Railtrack's sites.