Inquiry into Lakes rail chaos says "no-one took charge"

The ORR say there was an "apparent gap in industry responsibility and accountability". Credit: ITV

After a summer of disruption, a report has been released investigating the May timetable which caused major delays and cancellations on the Lakes and Furness lines.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) conducted the report and found Network Rail, two train operators and the Department for Transport contributed to the collapse of the services on Northern Routes.

The independent report released today says it came about because "nobody took charge".

The ORR say there was an "apparent gap in industry responsibility and accountability" for the disruption to the Cumbrian lines that prevented thousands of residents and tourists from travelling.

Highlighted in the inquiry, Northern lacked preparation for timetable problems and failed to provide accurate information to passengers when delays and cancellations occurred.

While Northern has reinstated a full service on the Lakes line, fears remain over its future. On-going industrial action in a dispute over the role of train guards has meant further disruption to schedules.