West of England train disruption and cancellations due to flooding

The line between Swindon and Bristol Parkway is blocked, affecting services between London Paddington and Cardiff Central

Some train services have been disrupted and cancelled due to heavy rain overnight.

Due to flooding between Pewsey and Westbury, Great Western Railway said services between Reading and Taunton via Westbury may be delayed or cancelled.

GWR also said flooding was affecting alternative routes which would normally be used to divert services.

Given the level of disruption, GWR advised passengers not to travel.

It said: "Tickets for journeys today will be valid for travel on GWR services tomorrow."

'Essential travel only'

If essential, the rail operator said those travelling between London, Reading and the West of England would be able to travel via Bristol Temple Meads but warned "these services are also disrupted" and likely to be "extremely busy".

CrossCountry are also accepting GWR tickets between Bristol Temple Meads and Plymouth until further notice.

The operator also says Network Rail staff on site inspecting the flood water had advised that the line was likely to remain closed for some time.

GWR said it was "trying to source replacement road transport to serve intermediate stations between Reading and Taunton".

'Sorry for the delay'

Meanwhile, the railway line between Swindon and Chippenham which was blocked on Sunday due to flooding in the Dauntsey area, has since reopened.

GWR said services are still expected to be disrupted until around 18:00 GMT.

One line of two has also reopened between Swindon and Bristol Parkway after earlier flooding in the Alderton and Chipping Sodbury areas.

GWR said as a result trains between London Paddington and Cardiff Central via Bristol Parkway may be delayed and disruption is expected until the end of the day.

GWR said: "We're sorry for the delay to your journey."