SIGNALLING problems between Oxford and Charlbury have left some Oxford-bound lines blocked, meaning some rail users face long delays this morning.

Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised, said operator First Great Western, with disruption expected until midday.

"During this disruption if you wish to use local buses as an alternative means of transport and the local bus is not accepting First Great Western tickets please keep the bus ticket and send it, together with your rail ticket, to us for a refund," a spokesman said.

Tickets will be valid for passengers wishing to travel via Cheltenham Spa and Swindon on First Great Western services. 

First Bus routes 44, 44A, 44C: Worcester (Bus Station) - Great Malvern (Station) - Malvern Link (Station), First Bus routes 550, 551, 557: Worcester (Bus Station) - Pershore (Station) - Evesham (Bus Station) and First Bus route 420: Worcester (Bus Station) - Hereford (Bus Station) are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for First Great Western rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.

"London Midland and Cross Country are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for First Great Western rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys," the spokesman added.

"Virgin Trains are conveying passengers between London Euston and Birmingham New Street in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for First Great Western rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.

"Arriva Trains Wales are conveying passengers between Newport South Wales and Hereford in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for First Great Western rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.

"An update will follow within the next four hours. Road replacement transport is in place between Oxford and Charlbury. Shuttle train services are running between Charlbury and Worcester Shrub Hill."

FORECASTERS are predicting another sunny, once the early-morning chill has passed.

A Met Office forecaster said: "After a chilly start, it will be another fine and largely sunny day. It will be breezy at times, especially near the south coast, where there may also be a little patchy cloud for a time. Maximum temperature 19C."

He said temperature could drop to around 3C overnight, with a cloudier day in store tomorrow.

"It will remain dry overnight with clear spells at first, however skies will probably turn more generally cloudy by dawn," he said.

"Winds will be mostly light. Minimum temperature 3C."