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The 7am midweek Avanti train from Manchester to London is usually packed - and no wonder because the superfast service gets into the capital before 9am.

But a controversial ruling by the rail regulator means that from December 15 it will still run - but only staff will be on board. Passengers won't be allowed.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has decided to prevent a passenger service running at this time, considered a 'firebreak' period, so that if there are problems on the network it will have more flexibility to fix them.

Avanti has said it is 'disappointed'. The 7am train from Manchester to London Euston which operates Monday to Friday will make the journey but only to make sure the train and staff are in the correct position to maintain Avanti's other services. The

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