TRAIN services across Somerset will be hit by double delays this weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday (October 18 and 19), Great Western Railway (GWR) services between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare will be affected by rail improvement work.

Meanwhile, strike action affecting CrossCountry services mean there will also be no train services between Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton on Saturday.

Replacement buses are planned between Bristol Temple Meads and Weston-super-Mare, but will not stop at Bedminster or Parson Street stations.

As an alternative, valid rail tickets can be used to travel on bus services in the area, including the A1 Airport Flyer for Bedminster or Parson Street stations.

GWR trains will still operate between Weston-super-Mare and Exeter St Davids, while CrossCountry trains will still operate on Sunday between Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton using an alternative route – extending journey times by up to an hour.

Ben Scott, GWR station manager for the Bristol area, said: “This investment forms part of a wider programme of works to maintain and improve rail services in the area.

“Trains for London Paddington, Cardiff Central, Avonmouth, or Gloucester are unaffected; but it’s important that customers going south are aware that alternative arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”

Bradley Wallace, lead portfolio manager for Network Rail, added: “Over the weekend we’ll be replacing two worn sections of Bristol West Junction; the vital piece of the railway that enables trains to change lines on the south west side of Bristol Temple Meads, on their way to and from the Westcountry.

“It’s obviously a very busy part of the network in the Bristol area and the work we’re doing is vital for the continued safe and reliable running of the railway. I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we complete this essential maintenance.”

Additional track work, drainage improvements and inspections are taking place at various locations along the line, including the Bedminster area, Parson Street station and Flax Bourton tunnel.

Further engineering work is planned between Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa from Monday, October 27 to Thursday, October 30.