Passengers travelling on the Looe Valley Line are being urged to plan ahead as Network Rail prepares for a significant tree-cutting operation between Liskeard and Looe. The maintenance programme, scheduled from Monday 8 to Friday 19 December, will involve cutting back vegetation to protect both train services and rail workers.

The work, which focuses on managing trees and overgrown shrubs along the route, requires a full replacement bus service throughout the 11-day period. The Cornish main line between Plymouth and Penzance will continue to operate normally, but the branch line will be entirely served by road transport.

The temporary bus replacement network will cover the following locations:

• Liskeard
• St Keyne village
• Duloe village
• Sandplace
• Looe

Buses will not call at Coombe Junction Halt. Passengers wishing to travel to or from the halt are advised to contact GWR, which will arrange taxis.

Network Rail has also confirmed that a further phase of work affecting services on the Looe Valley Line is planned from Monday 23 February to Friday 6 March.

Chris O'Connell, Network Rail portfolio manager, said:

"Trees and bushes can damage trains or block the driver's view, so it's vital to keep the railway clear. We're sorry for the disruption but our work will keep trains running safely and reliably."

Sharon Holloway, GWR station manager for Plymouth and East Cornwall, added:

"This investment forms part of a wider rail improvement programme to ensure the ongoing reliability of a key leisure route for the region. Buses will replace all train services between Liskeard and Looe – some running non-stop and some stopping at St Keyne, Duloe and Sandplace. Taxis can also be provided for those customers wishing to travel between Liskeard and Coombe Junction Halt. It’s important customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make their journey times longer, so please plan ahead.”

Image: Network Rail