There will be no CrossCountry trains running from Birmingham to Nottingham after the Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa match
There will be no CrossCountry trains running from Birmingham to Nottingham (Image: Joseph Raynor/Nottingham Post)
Nottingham Forest supporters have been warned that no trains will be operating on a crucial route following the Europa League semi-final clash in Birmingham.
Nottingham Forest face Aston Villa in the second leg of the tie at Villa Park this evening, Thursday, May 7, with one side set to book their place in Istanbul, where the Europa League trophy and a coveted Champions League spot await the winners.
However, fans making their way back to Nottingham after the match have been advised that there will be no CrossCountry services returning to the city.
The disruption has been attributed to the ‘timing of the fixture’ and ‘planned engineering works’.
According to the National Rail website, there appears to be one direct service departing at 10.03pm from Birmingham New Street Station to Nottingham, which falls after the final whistle. However, any supporter remaining until the end of the match is extremely unlikely to reach New Street in time to board it, reports Birmingham Live.
A combined rail and bus service departs Birmingham New Street at 11.09pm, travelling as far as Derby.
From there, passengers would need to board a coach to complete the remainder of their journey, with an estimated arrival time in Nottingham of 12.31am on Friday, May 8.
In light of the restricted services, Network Rail and CrossCountry have urged travellers to seek alternative arrangements.
They also warned that services to Aston and Witton stations — the two nearest stops to Villa Park — are expected to be particularly busy.
Villa Park in Aston(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire.)
Network Rail said: “Due to planned engineering work and the timing of the fixture, there are no CrossCountry services from Birmingham to Nottingham after the match is scheduled to finish.
“Fans returning to Nottingham should make alternative arrangements for their journey home to ensure as smooth a journey as possible.
“Passengers are advised to plan ahead, check before they travel, and allow extra time for their journey.
“Anyone not travelling to the match should consider avoiding services around peak match times where possible.
“Fans are encouraged to use both Aston and Witton stations to help keep people moving.”
Lauren Fleming, CrossCountry’s events and resilience manager, warned: “The timing of this fixture, combined with the impact of planned engineering work, means that there are no CrossCountry services running for fans to return to Nottingham after the Europe League match this evening.
“We’ve been working with both clubs to ensure fans were aware about the travel advice with as much notice as possible – we’d ask those attending the game to make alternative arrangements for their journey home to Nottingham.”
Travellers are urged to visit www.nationalrail.co.uk for the most up-to-date information on trains running this evening.
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway, added: “We expect our services towards Aston and Witton will be busier than usual this evening due to the Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest game.
“If you plan to travel but aren’t going to the match, we’d recommend avoiding services close to the 8pm kick-off where possible.
“For those heading to Villa Park, please check your travel before setting out and leave plenty of time for your journey.”
Elizabeth Graham, Network Rail’s Birmingham New Street station manager, said: “We’re expecting Birmingham New Street and trains to and from the station to be very busy this evening because of the Europa League fixture.
“We want everyone to get to and from the match safely, so it’s really important to plan ahead, check before you travel and allow extra time.
“Our teams will be out in the station and on the concourse to help keep people moving safely. Please be patient and treat staff with respect if you need assistance.”