Train passengers in Bolton experienced several hours of delays following a points failure earlier today, Thursday. 

Services run by operator Northern running between Bolton station and Blackburn were cancelled following the announcement of a points failure at around 7am.

Passengers experienced delays for around 8-hours while Network Rail fixed the issue. Services returned to normal at around 3pm, with all lines cleared. 

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Network Rail updated guidance to its passengers throughout the day, and rail replacement coaches were employed on the line. 

It warned that trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 45 minutes or diverted via Todmorden.

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Routes affected included the services towards Manchester Victoria, Rochdale and Blackburn and Clitheroe. 

A Northern spokesperson said: "Due to a points failure between Bolton and Blackburn train services running through these stations will be cancelled. Network Rail staff are en route to the location."

Later, it confirmed on X, formerly Twitter, that "disruption caused by a points failure between Bolton and Clitheroe has now ended. Services are no longer affected by this problem."