There has been chaos on the rail network this afternoon, with broken down trains and staff shortages causing cancellations and delays around Cornwall.

The branch line between Falmouth Docks and Truro is still seeing delays of up to 45 minutes and cancellations of some services on the Great Western Railway due to a broken down train.

Disruption was expected until 2pm, but this has now been extended to 7pm. 

GWR said: “Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 45 minutes.

“The Truro to Falmouth Docks line will be an hourly service (50 minutes past the hour from Truro and 20 minutes past the hour from Falmouth Docks). Replacement road transport will supplement the reduced train service.

“During this disruption, if you wish to use local buses as an alternative means of transport and the local bus is not accepting Great Western Railway tickets please keep the bus ticket and send it, together with your rail ticket, to us for a refund.”

First Kernow is taking passengers on the U1 (Truro Bus Station - Penryn Station - Falmouth The Moor) and U2 (Redruth Station - Penryn Station - Falmouth The Moor) and any reasonable route until further notice.

There are also new delays between Truro and St Austell, due to a points failure. 

While the line has now reopened, some services have been delaye and disruption is expected until 4.45pm. 

And there is a replacement bus service running between Par and Newquay due to staff shortages, with disruption expected until the end of the day.

GWR said replacement road transport had been requested to operate in both directions between Par and Newquay and customers should get in contact to ensure they were reached as quickly as possible.

The company added: “If you are travelling from any station between Par and Newquay, please use the Customer Help Point or contact National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950 detailing the total number of passengers in your party and your intended destination.

“This will enable us to get suitable replacement transport to you as quickly as possible.”

However, the earlier loss of service between St Ives and St Erth, due to a broken down train blocking the line, has been cleared.