NORMAL train services could resume by the weekend after a landslide, it emerged today.

Network Rail said repair work to the line between Dumbarton and Helensburgh, which carries 3000 passengers a day, was ongoing.

Tight fit on 8.03 to Glasgow By John Young Commuter "YOU can't blame FirstScotrail for the landslip, however the scenes at Dumbarton Central were more reminiscent of a third world country than one of Scotland's main commuter lines. "The 8.03am service had only three coaches and arrived already full. "With the usual Dumbarton commuters, as well as passengers bussed from Helensburgh because of the landslip, it was clear many of us were not going to get on. "Staff shouted at the people on the train to squeeze further down and those of us who got on were crammed in face to face. "The sole ticket collector was faced with a barrage of complaints from commuters. A First ScotRail spokesman said: "We are doing everything we can to minimise any inconvenience. "We have advised people to allow extra time for their journey and have additional staff at stations."

A spokesman said: "We hope to get passenger services operating again by Saturday morning."

Train services were suspended and the line closed when the landslide was discovered on Tuesday night, as reported in last night's Evening Times.

The incident happened at Dalreoch, near Dumbarton, where a retaining wall holds back a 20metre high soil slope.

Four trains - sleepers and a freight train to Fort William - are being allowed to use the line in a desperate attempt to keep disruption to a minimum.

But fears that repairs would continue into next week now seem unlikely.

There is growing speculation that Network Rail, responsible for track maintenance, will be able to confirm full weekend services within the next 24 hours.

Today its spokesman said: "We have taken the decision to temporarily close this section of track in both directions.

"The line will not re-open until we are satisfied there is no risk to train services."

Up to 3000 passengers have been hit, including 500 who use the West Highland line and First ScotRail - the country's main train operator - is having to lay on dozens of buses.

Replacement transport was yesterday put in place at Dalreoch, Cardross and Craigendoran. The disruption means longer travelling times for commuters.

A spokeswoman for FirstScotRail said: "We are advising people to leave a little more time for their journey."

Services to and from Balloch and the Vale of Leven area have not been affected.

It's believed the landslide was discovered when a late night train ploughed through some debris. It was then too dark for a full scale probe to be launched but the section of line was immediately closed.

A landslide near Falkirk six years ago disrupted services for a fortnight while remedial work cost £2million.

It caused chaos for thousands of passengers commuting between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Services were reduced to one train every 30 minutes.

Areas prone to landfalls can be difficult to treat and scientists reckon the travelling public in Scotland will have to get use to them.

They predict there will be more landslides caused by torrential rain due to global warming.