Gas leak shuts Reading-Didcot Parkway rail line

A gas leak has closed a railway line with no trains running between Didcot Parkway and Reading.

Severe disruption is expected to long-distance trains through Didcot, Oxfordshire, and any services that are running are likely to be very busy. Network Rail is urging passengers not to travel between Reading in Berkshire and Swindon in Wiltshire.

Rail passengers can use their tickets on other train operators and buses . Anyone who no longer wants to travel on Wednesday can apply for a refund or use their tickets on Thursday.

Gas distribution firm SGN said engineers were working to repair the gas leak in Didcot's Ladygrove area after a third party damaged the gas network.

A spokesperson for 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."

John Cannon, who lives near the gas leak, said he first noticed a "very potent" smell of gas on Tuesday afternoon.

He said: "It stinks. It absolutely reeks," adding that there was also a noise "like the back end of a rocket going".

Cannon said he had not received any advice, but was keeping his windows and doors closed as a precaution.

"It's a bit worrying, really," he said.

GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: "I'm sorry to customers caught up in the disruption caused by the gas leak near Didcot.

"Our teams are working to keep as many people moving as possible.

"We're diverting trains where we can, GWR tickets are being accepted on other operators' services and we are working to source replacement transport where possible, although we know that can't meet everyone's needs."

He added: "Colleagues at stations and on trains are helping customers find the best available route, and we'll keep them updated as the situation changes."

Major disruption is expected to continue until at least the end of Wednesday.