Rail misery set to continue over Xmas

Train passengers are facing a miserable Christmas after National Rail announced that the Exeter St David's to Barnstaple line would remain closed until at least December 29.

The following changes will apply until further notice:

Plymouth - Exeter - Taunton No trains are running between Plymouth, Exeter and Taunton.

A limited bus service is running between Plymouth, Exeter and Taunton but this is expected to be very busy

First Great Western and CrossCountry are accepting each others passengers First Great Western passengers may use South West Trains services between Exeter and London Waterloo Taunton - Weston-super-Mare - Bristol Temple Meads.

Trains are unable to run between Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads due to flooding. There is no replacement road transport available. Do not attempt to travel.

Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple: No trains are running. Road transport is not available because of flooding on local roads. This line is expected to remain closed until 29.

First Great Western First Great Western ticket restrictions have been lifted from Saturday 22 December to Monday 24 December. Passengers with tickets dated 22 December can use their tickets on Sunday or Monday.

Passengers with Advance Tickets should travel on the train closest to their booked time.

Passengers with Advance Tickets that wish to travel on Sunday or Monday instead of Saturday should travel on the train closest to the time on their ticket for the original booking where possible.

Disruption in the South West England will continue on Sunday 23 December. To find out whether this will impact your journey and to get alternative options planned for you, please use the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner http://bit.ly/WFxuEM, or call TrainTracker on 0871 200 49 50.