TRAINS in Hampshire are starting to return to normal after a morning of major delays.

This comes after thousands of passengers were caught up in travel chaos this morning as signalling problems near Eastleigh caused major disruption on rail lines across Hampshire.

Passengers on Cross Country and South West Trains services faced delays of up to 45 minutes and an hour between stations this morning.

The signalling problem had been causing an issue for services heading through while some trains were diverted via Fareham.

South West Trains has since confirmed all lines between Southampton Central and Winchester have now been reopened.

Earlier National Rail were telling Cross Country passengers they could use South West Trains services between Basingstoke and Bournemouth, and First Great Western services between Basingstoke and Reaading, and Southampton Central and Bristol Temple Meads.

South West Trains passengers have been using CrossCountry services between Basingstoke and Bournemouth

A spokesman for South West Trains has apologised for the disruption.

Taxis have been taking passengers from Eastleigh and Fareham to Winchester railway station.

Daily Echo:

A spokesman for South West Trains has apologised for the disruption.

They said: "A signalling problem has blocked the lines in the Eastleigh area. Staff are investigating the problem and we will keep you informed.

"Until the line can be re-opened, services may be diverted via Fareham or cancelled at short notice. 

"Lines of route affected are Southampton to Winchester in both directions, Eastleigh to Hedge End in both directions and Romsey to Eastleigh in both directions. 
 
"We are currently in the process of arranging alternative road transportation, and are endeavoring to have something in place as quickly as possible. 
 
"We are very sorry for the disruption to your journey today."

Taxis took passengers from Fareham to Winchester railway station.

Daily Echo readers stuck in the chaos have been tweeting their experiences this morning.

Cllr Satvir Kaur, who represents Shirley on Southampton City Council, has tweeted her frustration at being delayed this morning.

Commuters have been arriving on the platform in Eastleigh to find delays of up to an hour or more.

Katie Powell, a paralegal from Eastleigh, faced delays of on her daily commute of up to an hour. She said: "It's a bit annoying really. I on my way to work."

Daily Echo:

Ian Bevan, 17, from Eastleigh, was late for classes at Sparsholt College in Winchester as he faced a delay of 40 minutes. He said when he turned up it was busy with delayed commuters.  "It was really busy with people. They've gad to get trains and buses.

"I'm missing work at college."

Have you been affected by the chaos? Tweet @dailyecho or e-mail rory.mckeown@dailyecho.co.uk with your experience.