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Train users warned of disruption between Salisbury and Yeovil Junction

RAIL users are being warned of a week of disruption to services in Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset later this month (February).

On Saturday, February 22, and from Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28, no trains will run between Salisbury and Yeovil Junction, while direct services from London to Exeter will not stop at Tisbury, Gillingham, Sherborne or Templecombe, due to being diverted via Westbury.

Buses will replace trains between Gillingham and Yeovil Junction, calling at Templecombe and Sherborne.

On Sunday, February 23, bus replacement services will operate between Salisbury and Yeovil Junction, calling at all stations. No direct trains will run between Salisbury and Exeter.

The disruption is to allow work on improving drainage in the Gillingham area and maintenance between Gillingham and Yeovil Junction, including inspections of equipment, repairing lineside fences and cutting back diseased trees and hedges.

Mark Goodall, Wessex route director for Network Rail, said: “While there is never a good time to close the railway, we have worked incredibly hard to minimise the disruption for passengers, by limiting the distance of this closure and diverting trains via Westbury.

“I am, though, sorry for the disruption that passengers who use the West of England Line will face during this closure.

“This work is vital to ensuring this part of the network is strong for the years to come. Once completed, passengers will benefit from a more reliable journey through the Gillingham area.”

Peter Williams, customer and commercial director for South Western Railway, added: “We know just how important The West of England Line is to the local communities that use it, which is why it’s vital that Network Rail carry out this maintenance to keep our train services running.

“Customers should check before travelling, with buses operating between Gillingham and Yeovil Junction, and train services being amended and diverted.

“We’re sorry for the disruption and would like to thank our customers for their patience.”

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