TRAIN passengers faced disruption and longer journeys at the weekend as Network Rail carried out engineering works at Basingstoke station.

Passengers trying to travel in the area between Farnborough, Winchester, Andover and Reading on Saturday and Sunday found no trains were running, and they had to use replacement bus services instead.

The work, which is part of a £130million project to improve the railway lines around the town, is set to continue over the next three weekends until December 10, meaning journeys will continue to be disrupted.

Borough councillor Paul Harvey, who represents the Norden ward just north of the station, said it was the wrong time of year to do the work.

He said: "I think it is absolutely disgraceful that South West Trains have done this work now.

"It is the worst possible time to do this, in the run-up to Christmas with people wanting to do their shopping and visiting friends and family. I don't think many people actually knew this was happening today."

Jane Lee, press officer for South West Trains, said: "We have to work with Network Rail and the only time we can sensibly do work is over the weekends.

"We do apologise for any delays and confusion this has caused but it has been publicised in the local press and there have been posters up at the station warning people they may face delays.

"Unfortunately, Monday morning commuters were also delayed after the engineering works over-ran and there was a separate points failure."

John Cottrill, media relations manger for Network Rail (London and South East), said: "While we appreciate this will cause disruption for passengers, this work is essential maintenance which will produce long-term benefits by offering better services and cutting delays.

"We will be working closely with South West Trains to ensure there is as little disruption as possible, and to make alternative arrangements to keep passengers on the move during this time."

For more information about rail travel over the coming weekends, visit www.southwesttrains.co.uk