RAIL passengers will continue to face major disruption after thieves ripped metal cables from the busy track.

As reported by the Evening Times, a £12million project to fully electrify the line between Paisley Canal and Glasgow Central began in September. Passengers have already endured weeks of a reduced timetable – which has seen no trains in the evenings or at weekends – to allow for the works.

The reduced timetable, which began on October 1 had been due to finish earlier this week, but now Network Rail has announced further closures on the Paisley Canal line after a "significant amount" of cable was taken.

It is understood around 300 metres of cable were ripped from the line at Cardonald, while another 600 metres were damaged. Engineers will continue to work at evenings and weekends but from Monday to Thursday next week, the last train from Paisley Canal to Glasgow will be at 8pm. The last service to Paisley will leave Glasgow at 8.30pm.

The line will also be closed completely tomorrow and next Saturday. Trains will operate as normal today.

The upgrade being delivered by Network Rail and train operator ScotRail is designed to improve efficiency and reliability on the commuter route. The project will see five miles of railway electrified between Paisley Canal and Corkerhill, and stations and bridges improved.

Despite the theft, the electrification works are scheduled to be finished by December.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "We apologise for the short notice for these works and any inconvenience.

"Our engineers are working as quickly as possible to deliver the new infrastructure, but following the theft of a significant amount of cable from the line we have had no option but to extend our engineering works.

"We remain confident that the project will be completed in time for the commencement of electric train services in December as planned."

ScotRail bosses have arranged bus services in both directions, calling at all stations, departing from Glasgow Central and Paisley Canal, as timetabled.

Paisley Canal rail tickets will also be valid for travel from Paisley Gilmour Street.

rebecca.gray@heraldandtimes.co.uk