Train passengers hit by travel problems

Flooding and signalling problems have disrupted some train services in and out of Bristol Parkway

Train services in the west have been disrupted due to flooding and signalling problems.

At one stage, all lines between Bristol Parkway and Swansea were blocked due to "electrical supply problems."

There are still delays and cancellations towards Devon and Cornwall from Taunton.

First Great Western said all lines were shut between Taunton and Plymouth due to flooding. Customers are advised not to travel between Taunton and Penzance.

The company is advising passengers to check their website for the latest information.

Cancelled services

The lines between Bristol Parkway and Swansea have reopened.

First Great Western was urging people "not to travel unless absolutely necessary."

First Great Western said tickets valid for travel on 22 December will be valid for journeys on 23 and 24 December.

The 13:30 GMT service from Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington was also cancelled due to flooding, as was the 14:30 service from London Paddington to Temple Meads.

Meanwhile, more than 20 London Midland rail services have been affected by staff shortages and signalling problems.

Some passengers were warned of possible delays of up to an hour.

The problems affected routes in the West Midlands, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol, Derby and Sheffield.