3.40pm: A statement on the West Midlands Railway website said: "Following a safety inspection, Network Rail have found some severely damaged timber on the line at Ledbury. This has meant that work is required to replace the timber, to ensure that the track and ballast it sits on remains safe.

Network Rail have been working hard to source a new piece of timber, which is having to be custom made. This will be ready for them to collect from the manufacturer on Friday afternoon. They will then transport it to site and install it.

The line will remain closed on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th March 2018, to enable the repairs to be completed.
Until this replacement has been installed, trains are unable to run through the area."

Original story:

PASSENGERS travelling to and from Worcester Shrub Hill are being warned about issues on the rail network this morning.

A safety inspection closed the rail line between Hereford and Ledbury. Bus replacement services are running from Worcester Shrub Hill to Hereford, and between Great Malvern and Hereford.

A statement on the Great Western Railway site reads: "Due to urgent repairs to the track between Worcester Shrub Hill and Hereford all lines are blocked.

"Train services running through these stations may be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day on 23/03/18 (Friday).

"Train services between Worcester Shrub Hill and Hereford have been suspended. Malvern Link, Great Malvern, Colwall, Ledbury and Hereford will not be served.

"GWR services will predominantly start/terminate at Worcester Shrub Hill.

"Selected GWR services will however work through to Worcester Foregate Street, Malvern Link and Great Malvern.

"West Midlands Trains services will start/terminate at Ledbury.

"Replacement Road Transport (coaches) will operate between Hereford and Worcester Stations calling all stations.

GWR adds tickets will be accepted by other rail operators, including Arriva Trains Wales on other services.