Network Rail has drawn up proposed upgrades for the railway line between Exeter and Newton Abbot.

The study was undertaken as part of the company's £40 billion Railway Upgrade Plan and will be presented to the public in a series of public engagement events.

Exceptional weather at the beginning of 2014 caused part of the railway line at Dawlish to collapse into the sea and thousands of tonnes of material from the cliffs at Teignmouth to fall onto the line.

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The research has identified ways of protecting the railway and improving the future reliability of the line. Features included examining the impact of coastal flooding, erosion and cliff instability, as well as options available to limit the effects of these in the future.

Mark Langman, Network Rail's managing director for the Western route said: "This railway line is a vital link for the South West of England and we are committed to securing its long-term future as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan to deliver a bigger, better and more reliable railway for passengers. It is important that the community are fully involved in the process at this early stage and we urge residents to come along to these events."

The first public information event will take place from 4.30pm – 7.30pm at the Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish Warren on Thursday, 17 November.

(LM/MH)