Storm damage forces closure of railway line

The only railway line to the south-west of England has been partially shut until further notice after a sea wall next to it crumbled in a storm.

Great Western Railway (GWR) urged passengers not to attempt to travel on the line between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot due to the damage at Dawlish.

A sea wall protecting the railway line in the town collapsed in two places as Storm Ingrid lashed the south Devon coast on Saturday.

Network Rail had issued a black alert, its highest warning, as 12ft (4m) waves pounded the sea wall.

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.

GWR spokesman James Davis told BBC Radio Devon the storm left “significant debris” on a two-mile (3.2km) section of the Dawlish track.

He said about half of it was cleared on Saturday but the rest still needed to be taken away and the line inspected before it could reopen.

“Hopefully we’ll have that option later today but at this moment in time until Network Rail has completed that repair work that line will remain closed,” he said.

Davis said the firm was “cautiously optimistic” part of the line would be able to reopen to run a limited service but he warned of significant disruption.

“That is really dependent on what Network Rail find as they inspect that line,” he said.

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

“That’s a lot of buses to be able to cope with the same numbers.

“Those buses just don’t exist in the country to provide a like for like service.

“Really do consider if your journey is necessary.”