Repairs to close rail lines between Exeter and Taunton in new year

Business leaders are worried that the disruption will be worse than that caused by previous flooding

The main rail line between Exeter and Taunton will be closed for two weeks in the new year for repair work, managers have said.

Network Rail wants to renew track, improve drainage and repair the Whiteball tunnel between 18 January and 9 February.

The rail company said buses would replace trains between Taunton, Tiverton Parkway and Exeter St Davids.

Journey times would be increased by up to 75 minutes, it added.

First Great Western said services between London Paddington and the west of England were set to operate to a reduced frequency and would be retimed because of the work.