THE railway line from Worcester to Hereford, which was damaged by flood water last week, has now opened as far as Ledbury.

Network rail engineers worked round the clock to rebuild an embankment between Colwall and Ledbury, which was washed by the torrents and left the track hanging in mid air.

But the line is still closed from Ledbury to Hereford due to concerns about possible damage to two bridges.

Network Rail spokesman Ben Herbert said: "We have repaired the damaged embankment at Ledbury. Trains from Worcester now go as far as Ledbury and there are buses to take people from Ledbury to Hereford.

"We have got concerns about two bridges. One is over the River Lugg and the other is over the River Frome. We have got to get divers down to inspect the bridges. Debris in flood water can damage bridges.

"So far the water has been too high for the divers to go down and there is an issue about debris in the water hitting the divers."

He said Network Rail hoped divers would be able to make the inspections later today (Thursday) but it would depend upon the weather and the water levels.

"Safety has to be out priority and we will not open those bridges until we know it is safe."

A spokesman for Central Trains said full rail services between Hereford and Worcester would resume once they have the nod from Network Rail. In the meantime a shuttle bus service is operating between Ledbury and Hereford from early morning until the time of the last train.

Mr Herbert added that there was "unbelievable" damage to the Cotswold Line, where engineers were yesterday removing sections of damaged track. There are at least 20 sections that have to be repaired.

"It is a big job. They were removing some of the damaged rails yesterday. Some will be repaired and others will have to be replaced."

He said signalling equipment would have to be replaced or repaired, the embankments rebuilt, sleepers put back and track relaid. There would also be a huge clean up operation to reinstate surrounding farm land, he added.