SOUTH Western Railway (SWR) passengers are being urged to plan ahead this festive period as Network Rail carry out important upgrade work as part of a nationwide investment of more than £148m.

At Waterloo station sections of track that guide trains from one line to another will be replaced from Sunday until December 28, leaving services reduced by about half.

Members of The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) on the Portsmouth to London line will be on strike on December 22, 27 and 31.

For details visit the SWR website at: www.southwest ernrailway.com