RAIL services between Swindon and Chippenham drew to a standstill an hour before workers went on strike... when the line buckled.

Shortly before 5.26pm last night disruptions started early for evening commuters when a kink in the line brought the train to a halt.

Commuter Amy Martin, who works as Smarter Choices Co-ordinator for Sustrans in Swindon, posted on social networking site Twitter at around 5.25pm: “Rail disruptions have started early – currently stuck on @FGW (First Great Western Trains) between #Chippenham & #Swindon due to “kink in track” (heat buckle?). :(“ She tweeted soon after that engineers from Network Rail were soon in attendance, attempting to mend the track.

She said: “The track is also buckled between Chippenham and Swindon – currently stuck. @networkrail engineers on site though.”

First Great Western replied to Amy’s tweets also through Twitter, where they reassured her the rail company was investigating the problem.

A spokesman from First Great Western said: “Hi. Sorry for the delay. Network Rail are investigating. Grant.”

Amy replied: “That’s OK. I’m delighted they found the defect & are fixing, rather than risk an accident. Train manager is giving updates too. Thanks.”

At around the same time, First Great Western also reported a difficulty on the line to their followers.

They tweeted: “Due to poor rail conditions between Chippenham and Swindon, the Swindon-bound line is blocked. Network Rail are investigating.”