RAIL passengers travelling on the West Coast Mainline can expect more misery this bank holiday weekend.

Work is set to take place on the route between Carlisle and Wolverhampton as part of a £250m upgrade from Friday (May 1) to Tuesday (May 5).

Further south there will also be improvements to the line between Tring and Weedon, in Northamptonshire.

Network Rail, which is responsible for the work, has warned passengers of delays while the work takes place.

Martin Frobisher, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “Bank holidays are traditionally quieter times on the railway and provide extra time when we can carry out even more improvement work in an effective and efficient way.

“These upgrades will help to provide a more reliable railway which is essential as more people choose to travel by train. There is never a good time to carry out work of this nature but we have worked with the train operators to plan it to cause the least amount of disruption and make sure passengers can plan or make alternative arrangements.

“I apologise for any inconvenience caused and urge anyone who plans to travel by train over the bank holiday weekend to check with National Rail Enquiries or their train operator for the latest information.”