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Signalling failure delays re-nationalised services

BBC A digital train departure board at Southampton Central. All services have 'delayed' or 'cancelled' next to them.BBC
Trains around Southampton Central are having to run at reduced speeds

Signalling problems have caused delays on newly re-nationalised services around Southampton Central railway station.

Trains were having to run at reduced speed on all lines, and the disruption is expected to last until about 16:00 BST.

South Western Railway (SWR) services between Romsey and Salisbury, and Salisbury and Chandlers Ford, stopped running.

SWR said it was "very sorry" for any delays, but that the problem had since been fixed and all lines had reopened. There were also delays of up to one hour between Fratton and Portsmouth Harbour due to an earlier train breaking down.

People gather around the departure boards at Portsmouth Harbour station.
engers at Portsmouth Harbour Station were faced with delays after a train broke down

A spokesperson for SWR and Network Rail said: "We're sorry to any engers in the Southampton area whose journeys may have been disrupted this morning following a fault with the signalling - the railways traffic light system - which was affecting services in and out of Southampton Central station.

"Engineers were able to resolve the issue at 08:44, however services in the area are expected to be disrupted until 14:00.

"engers are encouraged to check with their train operator for the latest travel information and we're grateful for their patience and understanding during this time."

Amelie Ali posing for the camera outside Southampton station. She is wearing a bright pink leather jacket and a brightly coloured jumper with clouds and rainbows on it. She has long wavy dark hair. It looks like a grey rainy day.
Amelie Ali has been trying to get home to Brighton from Southampton

Amelie Ali, who was trying to get from Southampton to Brighton, said: "It's not ideal. I'd like to be home as soon as possible but I can't do that if my train has been cancelled and I'm not sure when the next train could be."

Victoria Lemon, who uses a wheelchair, said getting the bus to Southampton had been much harder than getting the train, which usually takes 10 minutes.

She said: "I had to sit on a bus for an hour to just get here which is ridiculous.

"It's more effort than getting on a train. There's not always a lot of room and I tip back."

Another stranded enger, Elijah Beddoe-Whitfield, said: "When I was in college a few years back you'd never think the train would be cancelled. These days, it seems like one in three times I get a train, there's a problem with it.

Victoria Lemon posing for the camera outside Southampton station. She has tied back brown hair and is wearing a light grey hooded coat. In the background is a food kiosk.
Victoria Lemon said her 10-minute train journey had taken an hour on the bus

Tickets can be used on CrossCountry services between Bournemouth and Basingstoke, and GWR services between Portsmouth and Salisbury, the train operator said.

Due to the disruption engers booking their own taxis between Weymouth and Basingstoke, Southampton and Portsmouth, and Southampton and Salisbury may be able to claim back the costs through the SWR website.

Replacement buses are running between Southampton and Salisbury.

South Western Railway was re-nationalised by the government on Sunday.

The crowds grow around the departure boards at Portsmouth Harbour station.
South Western Railway said it was "very sorry" for the delays

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