Some trains are calling at Northampton and Long Buckby again, after the line had been closed on Monday by water overflowing from a tributary of the River Nene following Storm Bert over the weekend.

The flood had submerged tracks and signalling equipment at Northampton station, which is close to the river.

Network Rail engineers have been checking the track and equipment for water damage, and a limited hourly train service is now running.

However, replacement buses are still being provided between Northampton, Long Buckby and Rugby, and between Northampton, Wolverton and Milton Keynes Central.

Other West Coast Main Line services between Birmingham and London have also been reduced.

There is a train twice an hour between Milton Keynes Central and London Euston, but trains from Birmingham New Street via Northampton are terminating at Milton Keynes Central, all London to Tring locals have been cancelled, and only two out of three London Northwestern trains between London and Crewe will be running. However, Avanti West Coast is reporting a good service on all its routes.

London Northwestern warned that the limited timetable is also expected to continue tomorrow, while Network Rail continues to restore the equipment.

Network Rail’s West Coast South route Gary Walsh said: ‘We’re pleased to have been able to reopen lines through Northampton station following Monday’s severe flooding caused by Storm Bert. Our teams are continuing to work around the clock to meticulously clean, test and repair water-damaged equipment so we can restore a full timetable as quickly as possible.

‘I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while our complex repairs continue and urge people travelling this week to check their journeys at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with London Northwestern Railway.’