The Bishopsgate Bomb: Station due to reopen

BRITISH RAIL was hoping to reopen Liverpool Street station in time for this morning's rush- hour, despite the extensive damage caused by Saturday's blast, writes Andrew Gliniecki.

A spokesman said that pounds 250,000 damage had been caused and 1,200 panes of glass in the roof had been lost. 'At the moment we are getting rid of any glass that is damaged and reglazing as we go along,' he said.

Sir Bob Reid, BR's chairman, last night praised staff for the rapid clear-up at Liverpool Street station and promised 'the nearest thing we can to a normal service' for commuters. Sections of the Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith and City Underground lines, which were closed after the blast, were reopened at 1pm yesterday.

The AA predicted traffic conditions today would be 'manic' with some roads still closed and pedestrian access only.

Travellers face disruption from another quarter in the capital today as the Transport and General Workers' Union stages a one-day bus strike over wage cuts and longer hours in preparation for the privatisation of London Buses.