THE visit of The Flying Scotsman to Newton-le-Willows - which was expected to take place next week - has been cancelled.

On Saturday (September 15), the famous locomotive had been due to call at Platform 2 of Newton-le-Willows rail station between 8.30am and 9.15am.

Other expected viewing points were also set to be at the railway track along Mesnes Park; the curve platforms at Earlestown Station; the route through the Vulcan Village and towards Warrington and railways bridges around Winwick.

However, organisers have expressed regret that the visit has had to be called off.

This is due to Network Rail announcing that they need to close part of the Chat Moss line near Patricroft on the same day, meaning the famous locomotive will not be able to travel the route that was planned.

Newton ward councillor, Seve Gomez-Aspron, said: “On a more positive note, I’ve written to the Heritage Rail operators in the North West to let them know about the new and fully accessible Newton Station and so hopefully in future, heritage train trips can become more common in future from Newton-le-Willows”.

Newton-le-Willows station is currently undergoing a £17.95m renovation.