TRAIN services have been cut in the New Forest, but nobody is complaining about a longer wait on the platform and a tighter squeeze on seats.

The train confined to the engine shed is the Number 2 monorail at Beaulieu's National Motor Museum, and the reason is not leaves on the line, but a scruffy nest of twigs and four squeaking blackbird chicks.

The parent birds had obviously decided to give their youngsters a room with a view, so they balanced their nest on top of a speaker box just behind the driver's seat at the front of the monorail.

It was discovered on Bank Holiday Monday, putting the whole train out of bounds for at least three weeks.

The monorail - which gives a bird's eye view of the Motor Museum from above on its way round the Beaulieu site - is one of the most popular attractions at the museum. Having only one train on duty at one of the busiest times of the year has meant a longer wait for many passengers.

"It was just about the worst time possible, right at the start of the holiday week," said museum spokeswoman Margaret Rowles.

"But we put up a sign at the entrance explaining to our visitors why we only had one train running, and absolutely no one has complained. Everyone agrees that the baby birds have to take priority."