Warning over rail work disruption

Rail passengers using the Cotswold line between Oxfordshire and Worcestershire may experience delays to their journey due to track work, Network Rail warned.

Six weeks of engineering work is due to start between Oxford and Worcester on Saturday and last until 1 September.

Network Rail said it was the first phase in its long-term plans to add a second track to the line by 2011.

It said a second track would help to improve train punctuality, reduce journey times and increase services.

Affected stations Oxford, Oxfordshire Charlbury, Oxfordshire Kingham, Oxfordshire Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire Honeybourne, Worcestershire Evesham, Worcestershire Pershore, Worcestershire Worcester, Worcestershire

A spokesman for the company said: "During the six weeks this summer there will be periods when we are unlikely to be able to run train services on this section of the line while the work is carried out.

"We will be providing alternative transport where necessary and special arrangements will be made for season ticket holders."

The Oxford to Worcester stretch is due to be closed between 18 July and 3 August and 24 August and 1 September.

The Moreton-in-Marsh to Evesham part of the line is due to be closed between 3 August and 24 August.

First Great Western said it would provide rail replacements buses along the closed parts of the route and direct passengers to use an alternative rail route.