RAIL improvements will affect GWR train services between Taunton, Castle Cary, and Westbury later this week and bus replacements will be in place.

From Sunday, April 30 to Wednesday, May 3 only trains running to/from Weymouth will be able to stop at Castle Cary station due to planned engineering work.

During this time, trains between London and the South West will use a different route between Reading and Taunton – not stopping at Castle Cary.

In addition, South Western Railway will also run a limited rail replacement service between Westbury and Yeovil Junction via Castle Cary.

Some trains will also run between London Paddington and Westbury.

Trains run between Westbury and Bristol Temple Meads on Sunday (30 Apr) and Monday (1 May), then Frome and Bristol Temple Meads on Tuesday (2 May) and Wednesday (3 May).

Buses will replace trains between:

• Castle Cary and Taunton
• Castle Cary and Westbury (non-stop and stopping at all stations)

Those driving to a station should note that parking remains very limited at Castle Cary as work continues to deliver a new station car park.

The Network Rail engineering work taking place consists of a bridge and structural maintenance to ensure the ongoing safety of this key route for the South West.

Andrew Berry, GWR’s Station Manager for Westbury, said: “No trains will stop at Castle Cary between London and the South West, so we would advise any customers for those destinations to travel from Westbury or Taunton instead.

“The only train services operating at Castle Cary during this period will be shuttle trains running to or from Yeovil, Dorchester, and Weymouth.”

Michael Contopoulos, Network Rail’s Project Director said: “For four days from Sunday 30 April we’ll be carrying out essential maintenance to the railway infrastructure in the area, alongside refurbishing the drainage system to ensure a continued safe and reliable railway.

“I’d like to thank the travelling public and local residents for their patience while we carry out this vital work.”

For the latest information, visit GWR.com/Wessex.