DISRUPTION to rail services across Wales has been slammed by Welsh Conservatives, who labelled the delays "insulting". 

Many of Transport for Wales’ Class 175s have been taken out of service across the Wales and Borders network, following what they describe as 'mechanical issues'. 

Repairs were meant to have been completed by March 10, however, delays have seen disruption continue across railways in Wales.

This has seen bus replacements introduced, something which the conservatives have labelled as 'insulting'. 

Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister, Natasha Ashgar MS said: “Transport for Wales’ bus replacement of all services on the Conwy Valley route, as well as Wrexham’s Borderlands route is insulting to users of the lines in North Wales who depend on these services to make their regular commutes.

"The entire cancellation of rail services on some North Wales branch lines, in order to continue services via the South Wales routes is unacceptable.

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“Trains designed for short distances, such as North Wales Branch lines, are now running ultra-long-distance services such as Cardiff to Holyhead and Manchester to Tenby - for which they are entirely unsuitable.

‘‘The repair of the Class 175s must become TfW’s upmost priority. There can be no more delays to repairs and rail services on rural lines in North Wales must be urgently restored."

Jan Chaudhry-Van der Velde, Chief Operations Officer at TfW, said: “The safety of our customers and colleagues remains our priority and it is important that all the necessary checks and repairs have been completed on each of our Class 175 trains before being allowed back into service.

“The Class 175s are maintained on our behalf by CAF at their depot in Chester, and while we have this shortage of rolling stock, we are moving trains around the network to try and minimise the impact on the busiest routes.

“We’re very sorry for any disruption to customers’ journeys while we work to carry out the repairs as quickly as possible.”