Disruption on line for weeks after landslip

Disruption is expected to continue for weeks

Railway services could be disrupted for weeks after a landslip on a line.

The incident was first reported between the Oakengates and Wellington stations in Shropshire at about 10:30 GMT on Friday.

It means the line between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury is closed.

The line had been due to shut for planned works on Saturday and Sunday anyway but could now face issues until the end of the month.

National Rail said workers would be looking to rectify the issue from Monday but it could take until the final week of March.

"As a result of this, trains running between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton may be cancelled, delayed or revised," its website said.

Rail replacement bus services will be provided between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton and people are being asked to check before they travel.

Engineers will be carrying out work around the clock

Network Rail said that approximately 5,000 tonnes of material had slipped beneath a 50-metre section of the railway after persistent heavy rainfall over the winter months weakened the earthwork beneath it.

Teams now need to cut back and clear vegetation from the railway embankment to understand the scale of the damage, it added.

Infrastructure director Adam Checkley apologised to passengers who are affected and urged people to check the National Rail website for the latest advice.