OXFORDSHIRE commuters are being warned they face a second day of rail delays because of the revamp of Reading Station.

The major hub was almost completely closed over the Easter weekend as part of its ongoing redevelopment and Network Rail was 45 minutes late in handing it back to train company First Great Western this morning.

That led to severe delays this morning and tonight services are running up to 30 minutes late.

First Great Western is putting delays at up to 20 minutes and is warning they may continue through to 11.30pm on Wednesday.

It added: "Cross Country and Virgin Trains services are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for First Great Western rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys. First Great Western is accepting Virgin Trains tickest via any reasonable route."

Network Rail told the Oxford Mail earlier today only delays to early morning trains today were caused by the work at Reading. Any later delays, it claimed, were down to trains breaking down or signal problems.

First Great Western is saying tonight it is down to the congestion caused earlier today.