Repaired landslip signals tested

Signals were damaged in the 2,000-tonne slippage

Tests are being carried out this weekend on a rail signalling system damaged by a landslip last week.

First Great Western services between London and south Wales were disrupted when 2,000 tonnes of rock and soil fell onto the track near Chipping Sodbury.

Part of the line between Bristol and Swindon was due to be closed this weekend anyway, for engineering works.

It has allowed Network Rail to test repairs to the signals, which were damaged in the slippage.

First Great Western was able to run some of its services on Friday, though journeys were up to 30 minutes longer.

Normal services are expected to resume on Monday, when thousands of passengers from Bristol, Bath and other commuter areas are expected to take part in a fare strike in protest at delays, unreliability and over-crowding on trains.