CONTRACTORS’ efforts to improve railway security brought the Merseyrail network to its knees, it was revealed last night.

An angry row has erupted between track operator Network Rail and construction group Galliford Try, after a signal failure on Friday morning caused transport chaos.

Every single Merseyrail service was stopped during a 75-minute hold-up which left thousands of rush-hour commuters trapped in underground tunnels.

The Daily Post has now learned contractor Galliford Try is accused of damaging a crucial cable at Sandhills control centre, sparking the standstill.

CCTV was being installed at the north Liverpool station to boost security, part of a move to deter thieves targeting lucrative railway cable, a long-standing problem on the Merseyrail network. Galliford Try’s work led to an already damaged wire being cut, affecting signalling in the city, Sefton, Knowsley, Wirral and St Helens.

The Daily Post understands Network Rail could be hit with a fine of around £6,000 for the delays, which began at 8.50am.