Rail line reopens after Didcot gas leak fixed

Trains are running again after a gas leak closed the line between Didcot Parkway and Reading.

An exclusion zone was in place on Wednesday while engineers from gas distribution firm SGN fixed the gas leak with rail travellers urged not to travel between Reading in Berkshire and Swindon in Wiltshire.

Network Rail said most services should be back to normal on Thursday but some short-notice changes were still possible as GWR works to fully restore normal operations across the network. Travellers are urged to check their journey before travelling.

Tickets for travel on services affected that were not used on Wednesday can be used on Thursday or refunded.

Marcus Jones, route director for Network Rail's Great Western route said: "We know this incident has caused frustration for customers and we're grateful for their patience while the necessary safety measures were in place.

"We'd also like to thank SGN and our train operator colleagues for their close collaboration throughout the response.

"While we expect a near-normal service from Thursday, there may still be some short-notice changes as we work to fully restore the timetable, so please check your journey before you travel."

SGN said the leak in Didcot's Ladygrove area happened after a third party damaged the gas network.

A spokesperson for SGN said: "We have successfully completed repairs to stop the gas escape, allowing for the exclusion zone affecting the railway line to be lifted.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience during our essential emergency work."