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 Thursday, 2 January, 2003, 08:48 GMT
Heavy rain brings rail disruption
First Great Western train
Services between London and south Wales have been affected
Heavy rain has badly disrupted train services to and from London, with a number of cancellations.

First Great Western services have been hit by flooding on the mainline between Bristol Parkway and Swindon, meaning diversions via Gloucester, adding an hour to journey times.

Three services - the 0455 and 0555 Swansea-Paddington and 0730 Paddington-Swansea trains - were cancelled on Monday.

river
Rising water is causing concern

First Great Western has issued a helpline number for more details about which other services have been affected on 08457 484950.

The rail line has re-opened in the flooded Steventon area with a 20mph speed restriction, but First Great Western says it is still running its amended timetable at present.

A flood warning is in force on the River Vyrnwy on the borders of Powys, mid Wales, and Shropshire. And a further seven flood watches have been issued.

Communities across Wales have been urged to be vigilant and watch closely for further updates by the Environment Agency.

Meanwhile, the Met Office has warned drivers across Wales to take care, as further predicted downpours lead to deteriorating driving conditions.

Flood watches are in place on the River Ewenny at Pencoed, Bridgend, Upper and Lower Dee Valley in north Wales and the Rivers Wye, Lugg, Monnow and Usk in south east Wales.

The River Ogmore, near Bridgend and the River Taf/Gronw at Whitland, west Wales are also on the flood watch list.

The rivers are filling and there's still rain around so we are keeping a close eye on things over the next few days

Environment Agency Wales spokesman Geoff Champion

Communities across the south Wales Valleys, including Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly and the Vale of Glamorgan are being urged to look out for further flood information.

Environment Agency Wales spokesman Geoff Champion said: "The situation seems to be holding reasonably well but you can't take anything for granted.

"The rivers are filling and there's still rain around so we are keeping a close eye on things over the next few days."

Residents in river flood-risk areas such as Carmarthen and Monmouth and parts of north Wales are being urged to take necessary action to protect their homes if further heavy downpours increase the likelihood of flooding.

The Environment Agency has set up a Floodline on 0845 988 1188, which offers up-to-date flooding information.


More from south west Wales

More from south east Wales
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30 Dec 02 | Wales
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