No trains are running between Reading and Didcot Parkway today, because of a gas leak in Didcot.

The obstruction is affecting Great Western Railway and CrossCountry services, which are being replaced by road transport between Reading and Oxford. However, Great Western Railway is advising passengers to avoid the route entirely.

Trains are continuing to run between Oxford and Didcot Parkway, and trains between Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington are being diverted via the Berks and Hants line.

The leak is in the Ladygrove area of Didcot, and gas distribution firm SGN said its main had been damaged by a third party.

SGN said: ‘For safety reasons, it has been necessary to implement an exclusion zone around the location of the incident.

‘We are sorry for the inconvenience caused while this essential emergency work is undertaken.’

Great Western route director Marcus Jones said: ‘We’re very sorry that journeys will be disrupted because of this gas leak near the railway in the Didcot area. While the issue is not on the railway itself, it means trains cannot safely operate through the affected area until the leak has been repaired.

‘We’re working closely with SGN and our train operators to minimise the impact wherever possible, but we’re advising passengers not to travel between Reading and Swindon on Wednesday.

‘If you’re planning to travel elsewhere on the Great Western route on Wednesday, please check your journey before travelling and allow extra time for your journey as other routes may be affected.’

What do you think? Click here to let us know.