Trains in Cornwall are being disrupted for longer than expected.

Services between Par and Newquay were planned to be disrupted from the 3rd November until the 7th, with normal services resuming on the 8th.

Journeys will now be affected until 18th November while the final stage of the Mid Cornwall Metro (MCM) is completed.

More time is needed to test the new signals, meaning that buses will continue to replace trains.

These will run from Newquay to St Austell, with trains from Par towards St Austell, Plymouth, and Penzance still operating.

“We’re really sorry to passengers for the extended delay. Signalling is the most complex work we undertake on the railway and unfortunately we need longer than planned to complete the required testing. Safety is always our number one priority and we can only reopen the railway when the signals have been thoroughly tested and are ready to use.

“Passengers planning to travel between Newquay and Par are advised to plan their journeys in advance at GWR.com as replacement bus services will be in place, meaning journey times may be extended.”

Network Rail’s Industry Programme Director Bogdan Lupu