Network Rail are on site carrying out emergency repairs to the railway line after a landslip closed the railway.

The line between Wellington and Oakengates has been closed to assess the railway embankment.

Around 5,000 tonnes of land has slipped along a 50 metre section of railway after heavy rainfall over the winter months.

Vegetation around the site needs to be cleared before structural repairs can start which will help to fully understand the scale of the damage as well as check that there is no further risk of landslips.

West Midlands Railway and Transport for Wales services will be replaced by rail replacement buses from Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury.

It is expected that the line will be closed for at least two weeks whilst the work takes place.

“I’m really sorry to passengers affected by the landslip near Oakengates station which means the line is likely to remain shut for at least two weeks while we plan and deliver complex repairs to the failed railway embankment.

“While the railway is closed I want to urge passengers to check www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest travel advice.”

Adam Checkley, infrastructure director for Network Rail

“This is a significant landslip and I would like to thank our passengers on the Shrewsbury Line for their patience while Network Rail carries out these safety-critical repairs.

“Rail replacement buses will be operating for the duration of the line closure and I urge passengers to check their travel plans carefully and leave extra time for their journeys.”

Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway customer experience director