Gas leak blocks train lines

A gas leak has blocked train lines, affecting passengers travelling through Dorset.

Due to a gas leak between Andover and Salisbury, lines are currently blocked, affecting South Western Railway services between Exeter and London, Waterloo.

The service runs through a number of north Dorset stations including Sherborne and Gillingham.

Disruption is expected until 7pm today (Wednesday, April 17).

A spokesperson for South Western Railway said: “We have been informed of a gas leak near the railway between Andover and Salisbury. This means that all lines are currently blocked.

“Until further notice, train services running between Basingstoke and Salisbury may be diverted via Southampton where possible.

“We are very sorry for any delay that this may cause to your journey.”

Tickets will also be accepted, at no extra cost on the following services:

-Stagecoach South 8 between Andover and Salisbury

- Stagecoach South 76 between Basingstoke - Overton - Whitchurch Andover

- Salisbury Reds 8 between Salisbury and Andover

- GWR services between London Paddington - Exeter in both directions.

- GWR services between Basingstoke - Reading in both directions.

- GWR services between Salisbury - Exeter via Westbury in both directions.

- London Underground services on any reasonable route between London Waterloo - London Paddington.

Replacement buses have also been requested to run on the following routes:

- Basingstoke - Salisbury in both directions, more details to follow once confirmed.