Swindon: Travel disruption after heavy rain causes flooding

Flooding has caused travel disruption with trains cancelled and people assisted from cars.

Great Western Railway (GWR) services are affected between Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington due to the line at Wootton Bassett Junction in Swindon being blocked by flood water.

Firefighters have helped members of the public from their vehicles in Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett.

The disruption is expected to last until the end of Friday.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said it has received more than 30 calls from the public reporting flooding in the Swindon area.

Group manager, Charlie Pack, said: "Our control room staff have also provided advice to those experiencing flooding in their homes.

"We do have specialist resources in the area but please remember, if you are out on the roads, do not drive into flood water."

Train lines are shut between Swindon, Gloucester, Bristol Parkway and Temple Meads via Chippenham and Bath Spa.

"Rail replacement coaches have been requested but not yet confirmed," a spokesperson for GWR said.

"We are aiming to operate an hourly service from London Paddington to South Wales, calling at Reading, Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway, Newport, Cardiff Central, Bridgend, Port Talbot Parkway, Neath and Swansea.

"Passengers at Swindon and Didcot Parkway wishing to travel westwards to Bath Spa, Bristol and South Wales, are advised to circulate via Reading and await the hourly service from London Paddington towards Bristol stations and Swansea," GWR added.

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