RAIL commuters in Swindon have been told to expect more delays this weekend as Railtrack continues with its programme of re-railing and repairs.

Hundreds of engineers were today working across the network on repairs to damage caused by the recent storms. Re-railing still has to be carried out in the wake of the Hatfield crash.

Because of the storms, many sections of track are badly damaged and there remains no service between Swindon and Cheltenham.

Problems caused by the weather, such as flooded tunnels and damaged lines, have been made a priority. Engineers will start work at Sapperton tunnel on the Swindon to Gloucester line next week.

On those services which have been re-introduced, there will be delays because of continuing speed restrictions.

First Great Western is running an hourly service between London Paddington and South Wales, but a speed limit of 20mph is still in force on a section to the west of Swindon station. Passengers are urged to be patient even though the delays are infuriating.

Christian Tagholm, spokesman for First Great Western, said: "We've got engineers at various sites this weekend and it's obviously quite an extensive programme of re-railing.

"The speed restrictions will remain in place until the work has been done. But it's not as bleak a picture as earlier in the week. We're getting the work done as quickly as possible."

Spokeswoman Esther Eckley said: "People travelling between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads and should expect to add an hour to 40 minutes on their train journey. It's going to take a while to get back to normal."