RAIL services in East Lancashire will be on a go-slow from today for two months - thanks to leaves on the line.

Autumn is once again wreaking havoc with train timetables running through Blackburn and Accrington and on to Colne.

Leaves and rotting vegetation covering the tracks will lead to a reduced service for travellers using four stations - Cherry Tree and Pleasington in Blackburn, Huncoat, near Accrington, and Hapton, near Burnley.

Currently Northern Rail trains call at the four branch line stations, en-route to Colne, every hour. But this will reduce to once every two hours from today.

Trains will call on alternate hours at Cherry Tree and Pleasington and the same applies to Huncoat and Hapton further along the line.

There will also be speed restrictions, especially along more rural sections of the line, to prevent derailment.

Travellers are being advised to double-check timetables and allow extra time for trips.

Northern Rail spokesman Carolyn Watson said a number of preventative measures were employed by Network Rail to reduce the leaves problem, such as cutting back foliage beside the tracks.

But this can only be guaranteed where the rail firm owned land near the line.

Many stretches are in private hands and pruning can only take place with the landowner's permission.

The timing of restrictions often depend on the weather and engineers liaise closely with Met Office experts to gauge when the worst difficulties are likely to be encountered.

She added: "The situation depends a lot on the weather and this year we have had a lot of rain. Our preparations are pretty much year-round and we are always gathering information to help us monitor the situation."

One substance which can be used to increase the grip of train wheels is sandite - a material containing sand particles which is applied to the tracks.

A spokesman for Passenger Focus, formerly known as the Rail Users Council, said: "We are sure everything is being done to tackle this issue.

"There has to be a balancing act between providing a reliable service and the safety of rail users when you are talking about leaves on the line."