Work on the landslip outside the Harbury tunnel has been inspected by the transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

On January 31st, 350,000 tonnes of rock and earth fell onto the tracks outside the Harbury tunnel, which was built in 1847 by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Network Rail engineers have built a platform to enable them to move the debris safely, although they cannot proceed until the landslip stabilises.

At present, the line between Banbury and Leamington Spa remains close, despite normally transporting 100,000 passengers per week, and 50 freight trains per day. A date for reopening the line has not been set.

Mr McLoughlin said: “I have seen today how hard Network Rail engineers are working to resolve this situation, and train operators have told me they are doing everything possible to give passengers up-to-date information and to keep them moving. My officials are closely monitoring the situation and will offer whatever support is required.”