TRAIN passengers are facing an evening of disruption as railways services are set to be suspended between Bournemouth and Weymouth due to a 'shortage of signal staff'.

South Western Railway said all lines will be 'blocked' between the two Dorset towns.

The train service provider is in the process of sourcing replacement transport to call at all stations that the trains would call at if they were running.

The latest set of railway issues comes in the midst of a walkout by Rail, Maritime and Transport union members over a long-running dispute over guards on trains.

South Western Railway workers begin 27 days of strike action.

On the issues this evening, a South Western Railway spokesperson said: "Due to signalling staff being taken ill between Bournemouth and Weymouth all lines will be blocked. Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

"We have been informed that there is a shortage of signal staff. This means that all lines will be blocked between Bournemouth and Weymouth later this evening.

"The last train from Bournemouth to Weymouth will depart Bournemouth at 8.24pm arriving into Weymouth at 9.20pm.

"The last train from Weymouth to Bournemouth will depart Weymouth at 8.10pm arriving into Bournemouth at 9.08pm.

"For further information or onward travel advice please speak to a member of staff or use a station help point.

"We are very sorry for any delay that this may cause to your journey."