TRAINS between Oxford and Worcester along the Cotswold Line through West Oxfordshire have been suspended this morning due to flooding.

The line is blocked at Moreton-in-Marsh, in Gloucestershire, after heavy rain yesterday and overnight raised water levels in the River Evenlode, which runs alongside and under the railway at several places between Moreton-in-Marsh and Hanborough.

First Great Western is arranging replacement road transport for passengers at Oxford, Kingham, Charlbury and Hanborough stations. There is no current estimate for when train services wil resume.

The line was closed for two weeks in July 2007 after being badly damaged by floodwater at two places between Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh. Track and part of an embankment were washed away.

Engineering work due to take place until 3pm today affecting trains between Oxford and Banbury was cancelled due to the weather conditions, so CrossCountry trains between Oxford and Banbury will run to a normal timetable all day today, although some services may be delayed elsewhere in their journeys due to flooding in the East Midlands.

For the latest information, see firstgreatwestern.co.uk and crosscountrytrains.co.uk or call 08457 484950.