The Transport Secretary was in Devon today to see for himself the problems involved in maintaining one of the region's most famous pieces of rail track.
The coastal line at Dawlish is regularly hit by bad weather because it's so close to the sea. It was badly damaged in the winter floods, and there's concern about its future because of erosion and rising sea levels.
The Transport Secretary has been in South Devon today to see the efforts being made to maintain the coastal railway line at Dawlish.
Patrick McLoughlin was invited by local MP Anne-Marie Morris to see for himself the unique problems the line suffers from.
The mainline from Plymouth to London was damaged in the recent floods, and there is concern about its long term future because of erosion and rising sea levels.
He will then visit Kingskerswell where a new bypass is being built to improve transport links in the region.
The Transport Secretary is due to visit South Devon today.
Patrick McLoughlin will have a chance to see the coastal railway line at Dawlish and discuss possible investment.
The line was damaged in the recent floods and there are fears for its future in the face of erosion.
He'll then visit Kingskerswell where a new bypass is being built to improve transport links in the region.
This picture of Dawlish's famous black swans was taken by one of our viewers during the recent floods. She says at least the swans were happy!
We love to see your weather pictures. You can send them to bobandalex@itv.com or put them on our Facebook page.
The A379 near Dawlish in South Devon was closed in both directions throughout the morning after an accident involving a motorbike.
The female rider, who was found a by a pedestrian, was taken to hospital with serious back injuries that are not thought to be life threatening.
Diversions were in force for several hours until the road was cleared.
Dawlish Station's new footbridge will be made from plastic. The existing footbridge has been badly corroded by the harsh marine weather.
Read the full storyHigh winds failed to deter the Red Arrows from a stunning display at the Dawlish Air Show. This year's event was brought forward from August, and marked the climax of the town's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Pictures: Dawlish Air Show
