GREAT Western rail services linking Worcester, Malvern and Ledbury with Oxford and London should be back to normal this week following the completion of engineering works.

Trains on the line have been running to a restricted timetable for over a fortnight as Network Rail carried out flood alleviation work at Hinksey, between Didcot and Oxford.

Flooding at Hinksey has resulted in 11 closures in the last 14 years, causing extensive disruption.

Over the past 16 days, Network Rail has raised the track, installing 44 culverts underneath to allow water to flow from one side to the other.

Nine railway points, which enable trains to move from one track to another, have also been renewed to improve the reliability of journeys for passengers.

Joanna Grew of Network Rail said: "Our engineers have worked safely and diligently to complete this work to schedule with minimal disruption for passengers.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while the improvements took place, and also to GWR, CrossCountry and Chiltern Railways for their co-operation in providing replacement bus services."

Mark Hopwood, managing director of GWR, said: "Some of you have faced longer journeys or bus replacement services – I would like to say thank you for your patience as this vital flood alleviation work was completed.

“The Great Western network is already seeing the biggest investment since Brunel, and these improvement works will allow passengers to take advantage of the full benefits of electrification; providing newer trains, faster, more frequent services and importantly, given the growth this network has seen in recent years, more seats.”