'Severe disruption' to rail services between Cardiff and Newport after fire

Rail services into Cardiff are experiencing major disruption with journeys cancelled or delayed after a fire erupted on Sunday.

A grassfire on an embankment close to an electrical substation between Newport and Cardiff Central has damaged an overhead line and signalling equipment. Emergency services attended and Network Rail staff were on site at the scene of the fire near St Brides, Wentloog.

Network Rail have confirmed that the fire has been extinguished but staff remain on site carrying out "necessary repairs".

A spokesperson for Network Rail said on Monday: "There was a fire next to the track yesterday between Newport (South Wales) and Cardiff Central. This has resulted in severe disruption across the south of Wales with two of the four lines remaining closed whilst repair work continues.

"A limited service of two trains in each direction every hour is able to continuing operating between Newport (South Wales) and Cardiff Central at a reduced speed. Trains between these stations will be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes, or revised.

"Major disruption is expected to continue to impact services until the end of the day.

"No CrossCountry services will operate between Newport (South Wales) and Cardiff Central. Most services will be terminated at/started back from Gloucester.

"Replacement road transport will be in place between Newport (South Wales) and Cardiff Central after 8.30am. Please note, journey times will be extended when travelling using rail replacement transport.

"Great Western Railway services will be reduced to one train per hour in each direction between Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central (calling at Newport in between).

"Transport for Wales services will be reduced to one train per hour in each direction