Strike limits GWR service to Castle Cary during Glastonbury

Train operator GWR has announced its planned timetable to operate next week as industrial action by the RMT union at train operators across the industry and Network Rail is expected to severely affect services.

The significantly reduced timetable with only 30% of services operating on strike days will mean that Castle Cary station is only accessible on the Exeter to London route, which runs through Taunton.

There will be no trains running from Weymouth up to Castle Cary on June 21, 23 and 25.

GWR is warning people to expect severe disruption and to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary.

The train operator said: "GWR will operate as many trains as possible during the strike action however, most train services will be affected on the days announced. Due to the timing of the strike action, services in between strike days will also be affected.

The affected routes on strike days.

"On strike days the operator is aiming to provide about 30% of its usual timetabled services, and about 50% on non-strike days."

GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We very much welcome the opportunity to continue to talk with the RMT to avert strike action.

"Any strike will impact on customers’ journeys and can only damage the post-covid recovery everyone at GWR has been working to win back, while at the same time making it more difficult to deliver the changes we need to secure jobs and services for the future."

Where trains are able to run, they are expected to be extremely busy and replacement bus services are not able to be provided.

To help customers, GWR is allowing people with tickets for travel on strike days to be able to travel on the day before and up to two days after.

"Our Refund and Book with Confidence policies will remain in place and we will update this page with more information if the current situation changes," they said.