RAIL strikes on First Great Western trains are causing delays and disruption for passengers travelling to London from Oxford.

Eleventh-hour crisis talks to prevent RMT union members taking industrial action yesterday broken down and the effects of the strike are starting to show.

FGW has said a reduced number of trains for rail passengers travelling from Oxford to London Paddington will operate, but with delays and cancellations to be expected.

Oxford author and screenwriter Richard O Smith had to tell organisers at the Penzance Literary Festival in Cornwall to cancel his three hour workshop on How To Write Comedy and talk about the first Englishman to fly.

Mr Smith said: “I planned to get the sleeper train to Cornwall. I had booked it two months back because I was doing two performances at the literary festival.

“Because of the strike it means that I cannot go now. I got a call from FGW telling me it was cancelled and when I tried to get a different sleeper train last night I was told that was cancelled too.

“The strike has caused a big problem for the organisers at the festival and they have put a lot of work and time to set up the performances.”

The strike is also affecting those looking forwrd to heading to Cornbury Festival at Great Tew Park.

FGW said there would be a limited service from Oxford/Paddington and Worcester to Charlbury to meet connecting transport tomorrow.

Meanwhile no trains are expected to operate on the line to London Gatwick, with limited service on offer for trains to the nearest station, Redhill.

Transport union RMT said it had met with First Great Western earlier today but the two parties could not come to an agreement.

The 48-hour strike is due to end at 6.29pm tomorrow.

Is your journey affected by the strikes? Get in touch with us 01865 425405