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Preston flooding alerts: West Coast Mainline shut to the North and Ribble in flood

Posted on - 6th December, 2015 - 8:24pm | Author - | Posted in - Preston News, Preston weather
West Coast Mainline under water to the north of Carlisle

West Coast Mainline under water to the north of Carlisle

Preston is currently the furthest North you can go by train in the West after devastating floods in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

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Network Rail says all trains are suspended until at least Wednesday as the line North of Carlisle is currently eight feet underwater.

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On Saturday night nearly 200 passengers had to be put up in West View Leisure Centre in a makeshift shelter.

British Transport Police said officers worked an 18-hour shift to help those stranded.

Preston's leisure centre was used to house those stuck due to travel disruption

Preston’s leisure centre was used to house those stuck due to travel disruption

Storm Desmond has battered the North West of England, with Cumbria the worst hit.

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Martin Frobisher, Network Rail’s route managing director, said: “The unprecedented amount of rainfall and high winds have taken a significant toll on the railway and we are working round the clock to keep as much of the network open and repair the damage that has been caused.

“North of Carlisle station we have to wait for eight feet of water to recede before we can carry out extensive safety checks and repairs – including rebuilding a host of complex electrical and signalling equipment which is currently underwater. This, coupled with dozens of other sites which have been flooded or damaged, means we have a lot of work to do to ensure the railway is safe and able to be used.

“We care about passengers and will do everything we can to reopen the West Coast main line as quickly as possible. I thank passengers for their patience during this difficult time and can assure them we are working with the train operators to provide the best possible information. I urge anyone planning to travel in the north west in the coming days to check for the latest information before they set off.”

The River Ribble near Avenham Park on Sunday Pic: Paul Melling

The River Ribble near Avenham Park on Sunday Pic: Paul Melling

The Environment Agency has a flood alert still in force for the section of the River Ribble from Samlesbury to Preston at Walton-le-Dale.

How has the weather affected your plans? Let us know in the comments below

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