TRAIN operator First Great Western will be putting its new timetable into operation this weekend.

The new timetable, which comes into force on Sunday will concentrate on services in the Thames Valley and Bristol area.

It will see alterations to departure times, which will hopefully provide more peak time service for commuters.

There will also be a new service to the south coast from the North Cotswolds.

The train company's head of customer excellence, Barbara Hollman, said: "We would like to remind our customers that if they read the station posters and pick up a new timetable in advance, they can be aware of the changes to their journey before the timetable comes into effect. This can help reduce unwanted surprises."

Oxford commuter group OxRail Action, has said the new timetable was "eagerly awaited" by its members, but that the group would have to wait and see whether it made an improvement.

Zahra Akkerhuys, spokesman for the group, said: "Last year, First Great Western introduced a disastrous timetable which made many passengers' lives a real misery.

"We've discussed with them the problems caused and we have high hopes for the new timetable.

"Until we actually see the service running on time and the trains actually appearing on the platform, we will have to give it a cautious welcome."