Trains disrupted as sewage floods line and platform

The tracks at Newbury have been deluged with sewage

A burst water main has flooded a railway station with sewage.

Train passengers are being warned of lengthy delays after tracks and a platform were submerged at Newbury station in Berkshire.

Great Western Railway (GWR) said it meant fewer trains were able to run on some lines, with Platform 1 already closed following damage caused by Storm Bert.

GWR said it expected cancellations and delays on trains through Newbury until the end of the day.

Direct trains between Newbury and London Paddington are not running.

Stopping trains between Newbury and Reading, and Newbury and Bedwyn and high-speed long distance trains that call at Newbury are still able to run.

'Very sorry'

Passengers are urged to check their journey before travelling.

A Thames Water spokesperson said it had taken a "proactive approach to reduce the risk of sewer flooding" at the station, with three tankers pumping away excess water since Saturday.

“Unfortunately, the recent heavy rainfall, coupled with a wet year, and already high groundwater levels meant this wasn’t enough," the spokesperson said.

"The volume of water which entered our local sewer system led to sewer flooding at the station.

"We continue to work closely with GWR to respond to this issue and are very sorry to commuters and local people for disruption caused today.”