TRAIN punctuality slumped in recent weeks, according to new figures just released by Network Rail. The company says that 'sustained extreme weather' was the main cause.

The national average for punctuality was 83.7 per cent between 8 December and 4 January, compared to 88.3 per cent a year earlier. The moving annual average is now at 90.1 per cent.

Network Rail said train operators and users had been confronted by storm-force winds, which alone blocked lines by blowing down almost 400 trees, while 'torrential' rain caused 29 landslips and floods in nearly 130 places.

The company paid tribute to the 'dedication and professionalism' of thousands of railway staff who worked to repair the damage, often in very difficult conditions. Some blanket speed restrictions were unavoidable as a result of the high winds and heavy rain, while some early cancellations were also necessary on some days so that routes could be checked for obstructions first.

In spite of the bad weather, work on major projects programmed for the holiday period continued. Network Rail said around 6,000 people worked in 'often challenging conditions' on more than 300 projects.

The safety precautions proved justified, because no one was reported to have been seriously injured on the railway during the period.