'Awkward' swan on line causes delays on South West Trains

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Picture of the "awkward" swan outside the train windowImage source, Richard Church
Image caption,

Richard Church took a picture of the "awkward" swan while on board one of the affected trains

Rail services between Berkshire and London have been disrupted by leaves, a power cut and a swan on the line.

South West Trains services were delayed by the power failure near Feltham at about 07:30 GMT.

Commuters were later told at 09:30 that further delays were being caused by the "awkward" swan.

South West Trains apologised on Twitter and said the bird had been rather tricky to remove despite the train driver's "best efforts"., external

Network Rail has directed customers, external to its website, explaining how leaf mulch can cause problems with signalling.

Many commuters vented their frustrations on social media.

Image source, Twitter

Phil Young tweeted, external: "After 2 hrs stuck on @SW_Trains outside Twickenham cos of power failure, now stuck at Staines cos of a swan on the bridge! #greatworkexcuses"

Geoffrey Ganda tweeted, external: "I waited 2 hours at Reading for a SW train in the cold. Are there any compensations? The prices go up each year but same problems."

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