A SIGNALLING fault is causing trains from Birmingham to Bromsgrove and Redditch to be delayed or cancelled this morning (Friday).

A National Rail spokesperson said: A fault with the signalling system between Five Ways and University means trains have to run at a reduced speed.

"As a result of this, trains between Birmingham New Street and Bromsgrove / Redditch may be delayed or revised."

The issue is expected to cause problems until at least midday.

National Rail are advising passengers to check before they travel using the National Rail Enquiries' real-time Journey Planner.

The incident can be followed on Twitter by using the hashtag #FiveWays.

Routes affected include CrossCountry services between Plymouth and Edinburgh, between Cardiff Central and Nottingham / Manchester Piccadilly.

More locally, the problem is impacting West Midlands Railway trains between Bromsgrove and Four Oaks, and between Redditch and Lichfield Trent Valley, and between Hereford and Birmingham New Street.

Some CrossCountry services will be diverted between Bromsgrove and Birmingham New Street.

Road transport is being requested to supplement the train service between the following stations from approximately midday:

Two coaches - serving Longbridge/Bromsgrove

One coach - serving Longbridge/Redditch direct

Two 16-seaters - Longbridge/Redditch - serving all stations

Two 16-seaters - Redditch/Longbridge - serving all stations

One coach - Redditch/Longbridge - direct

Passengers may be entitled to compensation if they experience a delay in completing their journey today. They should keep their train ticket and make a note of the journey.