Engineering works impact train services near Newbury this weekend with no trains between Reading and Paddington on Sunday morning

Engineering works will impact train services near Newbury again this weekend.

There will be no trains running between Reading and London Paddington before 10.30am on Sunday (December 1).

This is to allow Network Rail to carry out work to improve reliability and performance, including drainage upgrades for key flooding sites and track replacement.

The news comes after a week of problems on the railways through West Berkshire after Storm Bert caused flooding at Newbury.

GWR customer services director, Rachel Geliamassi, said: “The impact weather can have on the smooth running of trains has been only too evident over the past week or so, and work like this is vital to improving the resilience and reliability of train services.

“Due to the engineering work and crew availability, trains on Sunday will, however, be significantly reduced and we would urge people to travel the day after where possible, freeing up space for those who must travel on the Sunday. We have altered tickets to allow people to do so.”

GWR said it expected services to be busier than usual this weekend as Christmas shopping, Christmas markets and sporting events increase passenger demand.

The rail operator said while there would be no direct train to and from London Paddington until 10.30am on Sunday, trains will run between Reading and Ealing Broadway, where customers can change for London Underground services

After 10.30am, trains will run but services between London Paddington and Reading will be reduced as only two out of four tracks will be available.

“Customers are advised to travel only if necessary and consider changing plans if possible,” GWR added.

Customers with tickets for travel on Sunday, can use them to travel on Monday instead.

Network Rail western route director, Marcus Jones, said: “These upgrades are essential to our goal of reducing disruption and improving the resilience of this stretch of line into the future.

“I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience. There’s never a good time to close the line, however, we do try to ensure that any disruption takes place when fewer people are using the railway, such as at weekends.”