A picture that tells a story that is all too

common on our railways. We did not know it yet but the GWML Badminton route (from Wootton Bassett to Westerleigh Junctions) was shut due to signalling issues so passengers wishing to head for South Wales would face problems. However, at the point that I took this photograph, there was utter confusion with just an awareness for passengers that they would not be able to travel west from Bristol Parkway with no information as to what they should do instead. Whilst one GWR staff member attempts to help passengers the other walks away seemingly unable (or unwilling?) to help. It's come to something when control cannot inform their staff as to what is going on and tell them what they should be telling their customers. 165101 was full and standing working the 15.59 Westbury to Gloucester service with passengers who were eventually advised (some by Andy and me using RTT) to travel to Gloucester to then pick up either a CrossCountry service to South Wales or a diverted (via the Golden Valley) GWR IET if it was to make an additional stop; something that was unknown at this point. The lady that we helped was worried that her ticket did not cover the revised route with Andy and I reassuring her that this would not be a problem as the fault was not hers. It's come to something when a couple of railway enthusiasts end up helping and advising passengers ahead of the operating companies!