ANGRY rail passengers are facing nine months of disruption as the West Coast line is upgraded between Preston and Carlisle.

But that means good news for transport firm Fraser Eagle, run by managing director Ken Savage, who will provide replacement coach services for passengers while work is carried out.

The company, which has bases in Accrington and Shuttleworth Mead Business Park, Padiham, won a contract with Virgin to provide the replacement service about three years ago and has been involved in easing disruption for rail passengers during all stages of the £7.6 billion plan to upgrade the whole West Coast line.

In February 2003 it was awarded the Rail Supplier of the Year award at the rail industry 'Oscars' - the HSBC Rail Business Awards. Kevin Dean, from Fraser Eagle, said: "It is not just about the provision of coaches.

"We manage the whole operation, including providing information to customers. It's very complicated."

He added that the company was currently bidding to renew the contract with Virgin from April.

Mr Dean said: "We have a team working on the bid. We have provided a very good service throughout the existing contract and are hopeful we will be successful retaining it."

The West Coast line will be closed for 37 weekends from Sunday, December 12.

About two hours will be added to journey times between Carlisle and London, with operator Virgin advising passengers to travel via Newcastle or Leeds if possible.

There is also work scheduled south of Preston, which will mean diverting trains via Manchester to Crewe.

Allan McLean of Virgin Trains said: "Trains will not be able to operate normally between Carlisle and Glasgow and Carlisle and Preston because of the engineering work.

"People will get a much better service in the end, but in the meantime we have to make alternative arrangements for passengers travelling on Saturdays and Sundays.

"It is obviously of concern that we are unable to offer the ideal service at weekends, but it is essential this work is undertaken."