RAIL replacement buses are expected to replace services on the Alton to Waterloo line until around midday on Thursday due to a broken down train blocking the line at Ash Vale.

Services have been cancelled since around 6.30am, stranding commuters in the cold at Alton and Farnham stations and forcing many to seek alternative methods of transport.

Rail replacement buses did belatedly arrive with the first leaving Farnham at around 9.30am, but the delay has angered passengers who took to social media to vent their displeasure.

Twitter user Lisa Bewick posted shortly after 8.30am: “@SW_Help 6:44 from Alton has been sat at Farnham for an hour. National Rail app says this train is now cancelled, yet the guard has no infornation. Why is this & when / how are you going to either resolve the problem that’s delayed us or provide alternative transport?”

Another, Ian Aitchison added: “Mayhem at #farnham station. Trains cancelled. Line blocked. Moaning commuters wandering back across town like a besuited zombie apocalypse.”

The disruption has proved a surprise boost for the town’s coffee outlets however, with Krema in Downing Street reporting that "80 per cent" of its customers on Thursday morning have been frustrated commuters seeking refuge from the cold.

Responding, South Western Railway posted on Twitter: “I’m very sorry for the delays caused by the ongoing defective train at Ash Vale, you can claim Delay Repay here https://www.southwesternrailway.com/contact-and-help/refunds-and-compensation/delay-repay .”

The rail operator added in a further tweet that passengers can claim Delay Repay compensation for journeys delayed by 15 minutes or more online at https://t.co/u9dx5QOZDs .