A LACK of cover during staff sickness has led to recent disruption on Island Line - but South Western Railway said it hopes to recruit new staff.

The County Press asked what the solution was to ending the recent disruption, which has seen some evening and morning services cancelled, leading to disquiet among commuters.

A South Western Railway spokesperson said: “We would like to apologise to customers on the Isle of Wight for recent service issues on the Island Line which have mainly been caused by difficulties in getting cover for sick colleagues.

“Five signallers are needed to operate the signal box 24 hours a day and provide cover for leave and sickness.

"We are currently recruiting for two new signallers to give us an expanded establishment of six.

“Providing cover for the signal box is likely to continue to be challenging throughout November but all colleagues will be doing everything they can to minimise the impact on our service and customers.”

For jobs at South Western Railway, go to https://www.southwesternrailway.com/other/about-us/our-plan/people