Investigation after claims new train broke down between Chesterfield and Sheffield because of 'high pollen count'

Chesterfield resident Kirk Jones boarded the 11.55am train from Chesterfield railway station, the 11.17am service from Nottingham to Leeds, on Wednesday, June 16.

Kirk, of Holymoorside, said the train, one of Northern’s latest diesel multiple units built by Spanish manufacturer CAF, and introduced in 2019, waited 20 minutes at Dronfield before it ‘limped’ as far as Sheffield.

Here the train was terminated and passengers were advised to join a CrossCountry service for their onward journey.

Kirk was amazed when the conductor told him the problem for the stricken train was caused by a ‘high pollen count’.

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“The total delay to my journey was only 30 minutes, but it was the unusual nature of the breakdown that amused me,” Kirk said.

A spokesperson for Northern said: “Shortly after 12.15pm on Wednesday, June 16 the driver of the Nottingham to Leeds service reported a fault with the train as is arrived at Dronfield.

“As a result, the train was taken out of service at Sheffield – arriving 19 minutes later than scheduled – and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fault.”

A post on Rail UK Forums says: “Last year we had a spate of engines on the 195s overheating in early summer, and it was found to be down to pollen blocking the engine ventilation systems – they did get on top of it and the problem has been far less of an issue this year, only heard of a couple of instances.”