Persistent heavy rain has caused widespread flooding across Devon and Cornwall, affecting train services.

Both Great Western Railway and Network Rail have stated that this disruption could last for numerous days.

Currently, the line between Exeter St Davids – Barnstaple, Exeter St Davids – Okehampton (via Crediton), Liskeard – Looe, and Par – Newquay is closed and has issued a ‘do not travel’ notice.

Road conditions also mean that replacement buses can not run at this time; should they improve, bus services will be implemented.

A limited bus service is also in place between Taunton and Exeter St Davids, due to fast-moving floodwater at Hele, passengers should only travel if necessary.

Emergency engineering work has also affected the line between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot due to a sinkhole.

“If you’ve been travelling with us and been affected by train service disruption due to the storms, I’d like to apologise. We do hope to get services up and running as quickly as possible.

“The storms have caused some damage to the railway infrastructure and we need to work with our friends at Network Rail to get that fixed.”

GWR Managing Director, Mark Hopwood