Weekend disruption for EMR train passengers from Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough stations

Midland Mainline train users face a weekend of disruption due to engineering works on the East Midland Railways (EMR) route.

No trains will run between Bedford and London St Pancras International affecting people planning to use the train service at Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19.

The disruption to services comes after a week of issues including a fire by the line in Leicestershire on Wednesday (April 15) having a knock-on effect for travellers.

A spokesman for National Rail said: “Engineering work is taking place between Bedford and Luton, closing all lines. No (EMR ) trains will run between Bedford and London St Pancras International.

“An amended train service will run between Sheffield / Derby / Nottingham and Bedford, and between Corby and Kettering / Bedford.”

EMR passengers should use replacement buses running between Bedford and Hitchin – tickets will be valid for use on Great Northern / Thameslink services between Hitchin and London at no extra cost.”

The work by Network Rail will see the removal of an old footbridge at Harlington station requiring the line to be shut.

Other planned engineering work taking over the same weekend, making the most of the time the railway is closed, including track renewal at Flitwick and further progress on the Access for All project at Luton station.

Regular commuter Beth Miller travels to London at least twice a week from Corby, with parking, spending £100 a time even with ticket-splitting. She has described recent disruptions as ‘awful’ with trains to Corby often being dropped from schedules.

She said: “They cancel the train, and it’s the Corby train that goes. It can save them (EMR) an hour. I want to support Corby Station but people will stop using it if they have to wait an extra hour. I could drive to Kettering, but I’m going from Corby.”

The spokesman added: “Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.

“For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.

“You can find the pick-up and set-down location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.”

For amended timetables please click here go to EMR’s website.