Train services in the Harrogate district have been disrupted by leaves on the line today (October 28).

Rail operator Northern is operating a reduced service and some trains are not stopping at Weeton or Headingley.

Northern said it was due to the impact of compressed leaves on the tracks, which creates a ‘black ice’ effect.

A rail replacement bus service is operating between Horsforth and Headingley but does not include Weeton in the Harrogate district, which has caused confusion in the village. 

A Northern spokesperson said the situation is expected to be similar tomorrow and is advising customers to check before they travel.

Wet leaves crushed by passing trains create a slippery layer known as leaf mulch, which makes it harder for trains to accelerate and brake.

Network Rail has ‘specialist leaf-busting trains’ which have been clearing the Harrogate line, with “two travelling along the line this morning”, according to Northern.

The company added the reason buses are not being used at Weeton is because only alternate trains have been cancelled at this stop, meaning there is still one service an hour.

However, there have been some larger gaps in services at Headingley, which is why replacement buses have been utilised.