Railway line made safe as storm clean-up begins

The main railway line in the south-west of England has been declared safe by engineers after a sea wall next to it crumbled in a storm.

Network Rail said a limited service was now operating in Dawlish following an inspection of “safety critical” parts of the track.

A sea wall protecting the railway line in the town collapsed in two places as Storm Ingrid lashed the south Devon coast on Saturday and a clean-up is under way after a historic pier and homes were also hit.

James Crook, from Network Rail, said debris on the track had been cleared despite “pretty trying conditions” and speed restrictions were in place causing delays.

It is only the second time a black alert has been issued since a storm destroyed sections of the track around Dawlish in February 2014.

Crook said: “We’ve had a lot of people out on track in some pretty trying conditions.

“It might take a little bit longer than normal.

“The priority is making sure we can get things back up and normal for Monday.”

He said there were a number of issues on the track, including ballast which had washed away.

“There will be some work going on throughout the week,” he said.

“It was not only the heavy wind and the rain, it was also the high tide on Friday evening.

“All of those things combining together had a strong impact on the railway.”

In nearby Teignmouth, part of a Victorian pier washed away as the seafront was battered by waves.

Teignmouth Pier’s owners said it had been a “dreadful night” while the town’s mayor said it was “sad” sight.

“It has survived many weather conditions as well as world wars,” said mayor Cate Williams.

Homes were also damaged in the seaside village of Torpoint by “full-on waves”, said residents.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said they rescued a delivery driver who was trapped in his van in about 2ft (0.6m) of floodwater near Liskeard.

Great Western Railway spokesman James Davis said the storm left “significant debris” on a two-mile (3.2km) section of the Dawlish track.

“If you’re travelling further afield there is a limited bus replacement service operating,” he said.

“Really do consider if your journey is necessary.”