Dover rail collapse: Diverted high-speed service introduced

Sinkholes up to 3m (about 10ft) deep appeared along the track, which was closed on 24 December

A peak-time diverted high-speed rail service is to be introduced between Dover and London to help commuters affected by a collapsed line.

Southeastern said two daily services would run between the coastal town and St Pancras via Deal from Monday.

The line between Folkestone and Dover was closed after storms damaged the sea wall at Shakespeare Beach on 24 December, leading to huge disruption.

No date has yet been set for when the line will reopen.

Cracks first appeared in the sea wall on Christmas Eve

'Help passengers'

Richard Dean, from Southeastern, said: "We are doing everything we can to make it easier for our passengers to travel and would like to thank them for bearing with us as we work to provide the best service we possibly can while the sea wall remains damaged.

"This new high-speed service will help passengers in Dover, Deal and the surrounding area get to and from work easier."

The morning service will leave Dover Priory at 06.45 GMT and call at Martin Mill, Walmer, Deal and Sandwich before it joins another high-speed service to London St Pancras via Canterbury West and Ashford International.

A return service will leave St Pancras at 17:50 GMT.

Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke, who is leading a task force to oversee the repair work, said: "I hope this will help get people to work on time."

Southeastern will run a high-speed rail between Dover Priory and London via Deal twice a day