A TRAIN company is assuring passengers who suffered severe delays last week that they can claim compensation.

Some passengers had to endure delays of up to five hours on Monday, February 25, due to a damaged overhead power cable at Armley, Leeds.

The problem affected trains on the Bradford, Wharfedale, Shipley and Skipton lines and meant many commuters missed at least half a day of work.

READ MORE: End of the line for Pacer trains

Among those affected was Otley resident Jonathan Kirkland, who caught the 7.20am to Leeds train from Menston station but ended up being stranded for more than four hours.

Mr Kirkland never actually reached Leeds - instead his train was pulled to Bradford - and eventually had to write the day off in terms of work.

The problem was Network Rail’s responsibility as they control the rail infrastructure, but passengers have to apply to their line’s train operator for compensation.

Mr Kirkland, who holds a season ticket, did just that only to be told by Northern that his claim could not be dealt with ‘without evidence of purchasing a ticket’ - despite him sending a photograph of his annual rail pass.

Northern, however, insists that should not have happened and is encouraging all passengers who were affected to apply for compensation.

A spokesperson said: “We apologise to any customer disrupted by the overhead cable coming down last week.

“This was an issue out of our control and we worked with Network Rail to get the stranded passengers off the trains as soon as possible.

“We would like to reassure customers that everyone who was disrupted by the delay is entitled to compensation.

“Customers can speak to our Customer Experience Team on 0800 200 6060 or visit the website.

“If they believe their claim has been incorrectly declined, they should email complaints@northernrailway.co.uk.”

Mr Kirkland is now hoping his claim will be dealt with, but he has not been impressed by his experience so far.

He said: “I had copied in a photo of my card and offered to bring it in person. I also told them I had proof I was on that train and they still refused. I have lost time at work and felt very stressed because of all this.”