Long-distance train operator CrossCountry is urging customers to check before travelling today (Sunday) after a power outage affecting its control centre resulted in major disruption across the network.

The building where CrossCountry's control centre is located has been affected by a power cut in Birmingham city centre, which started yesterday. As a result, many of the systems used to manage the railway are currently unavailable.

Train services across almost all CrossCountry routes have been withdrawn until further notice on Sunday 23 August, with the exception of services between Peterborough, Cambridge and Stansted Airport, where a near-normal service is expected to operate.

A CrossCountry spokesperson said: "A power cut in Birmingham city centre has affected the building where our control centre is located.

"As a result, many of the systems our control teams use to manage the railway are currently unavailable.

"Although colleagues are working hard to safely operate services using alternative processes, CrossCountry services will be significantly disrupted on Sunday 23 August.

"While we will run as many trains as possible, passengers should expect significant reductions to services and cancellations across almost all CrossCountry routes throughout the day.

"We are sorry to passengers affected by this significant and unforeseen disruption.

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"Ticket acceptance is in place with other train operators, and customers will be entitled to Delay Repay compensation. Customers who choose not to travel can claim a refund from their original point of purchase.

"We are working closely with relevant partners and will provide further updates as soon as possible."

Customers are strongly advised to check their journey before travelling. Ticket acceptance is in place with other train operators across the CrossCountry network.

Customers delayed by 30 minutes or more may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation, while those who choose not to travel can claim a refund from their original point of purchase.

The latest updates from CrossCountry will be updated at www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/travel-information . Customers should check before travelling at https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/