TRAIN operator Great Western Railway is reminding customers of significantly reduced services this weekend.

This continues due to industrial action by the RMT union at train operators across the industry and Network Rail continues on Saturday June 25, and Sunday is also set to be affected.

Commuters and rail users in Somerset can expect severe disruption according to GWR and have been urged to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary.

"GWR will operate as many trains as possible however, most services will be affected on Saturday," the rail operator said.

"Due to the timing of the strike action, services on Sunday will also be affected."

On Saturday the operator is aiming to provide about 30% of its usual timetabled services, and about 50% on Sunday with a later start-up than usual.

Somerset County Gazette: The map of affected services across the GWR area.The map of affected services across the GWR area.

GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We recognise that this week has been difficult for those who need to travel. We’ve been doing our best to provide scheduled services on key routes, which is hopefully making a difference.

“Services are however starting and finishing earlier throughout the strike period with an extremely limited service operating this Saturday between 0730 and 1830.

"On Sunday, no services are running before 0700, and we will also be working hard to re-position our fleet for Monday’s return to normal.”

Customers who have already purchased tickets can claim a full refund or can amend their ticket; those who travel and are delayed may be entitled to delay repay compensation if they are delayed by 15 mins or more.

GWR is allowing people with tickets for travel on strike days to be able to travel on the day before and up to and including Tuesday June 28 after.