Rush-hour delays as power loss hits trams

BBC People in Manchester city centre where trams ground to a halt due to a power cutBBC
Trams were suspended due to damage to overhead power lines

Power cuts have caused cancellations and disruption on Greater Manchester's Metrolink tram network.

A driver reported a loss of power and damage to a pantograph - a mechanical attachment used to connect trams to overhead power lines - in the city centre at about 10:15 BST.

It led to cancellations and disruption to services in Manchester and on lines between Ashton-under-Lyne and Eccles after damage to overhead power lines.

Metrolink said trams are now running into the city centre after restoring power but services will still be unable to stop at or run through Deansgate-Castlefield until Wednesday while engineers make the necessary repairs.

Passengers have been able to show their tickets or travel passes to use local buses while the trams were out of action.

Metrolink said: "Our engineers are working hard to ensure normal service will resume for start of service tomorrow."

Ian Davies, Metrolink's network director, apologised for the inconvenience and said staff had been out across the network to help advise passengers.

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