Sea wall damage closes train line

Urgent repairs are being carried out on a South West rail line due to weather-related damage.

National Rail said Great Western Railway (GWR) trains would not travel between Topsham and Exmouth in Devon after damage to the Avocet Line's sea wall foundations was found in the Lympstone area on Monday evening.

GWR said disruption was expected "until the end of the day" while the damage, caused by adverse weather, is repaired.

The train operator added it had set up a limited replacement bus shuttle and rail tickets could be used at no extra cost on Stagecoach services 57, 58, 58A, H, I and J.

GWR said: "We would like to apologise to customers and remind them that if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more, they may be entitled to a refund on their journey and we would encourage them to get in touch."

Network Rail said safety was always its top priority and closing the line would allow its engineers to carry out repairs.

"We're sorry for the disruption this will cause to journeys and would like to thank passengers for their patience while we complete these essential repairs," a spokesperson added.

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