TRAINS were cancelled causing commuter chaos when a staff member was taken ill.

From around 6am today lines between Chester and Shrewsbury were closed, after a member of Arriva’s signalling staff fell ill.

Passengers were stuck at stations, among those affected being Wrexham General, Ruabon and Chirk, until alternative transport was arranged.

A spokesman for Arriva Trains Wales said: “Due to signalling staff being taken ill between Wrexham General and Shrewsbury the line is closed.

“We have sourced buses from Shrewsbury to Chester in both directions.

“A shuttle train service is in operation between Chester and Wrexham, and bus services between Wrexham and Shrewsbury.

“Disruption is currently expected until 11am, following signalling staff being taken ill.”

Passengers who face delays of 30 minutes or more could be entitled to compensation according to the passengers charter on Arriva’s website, which can be found at www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/passengerscharter/