The Settle-Carlisle line has been closed again due to the threat of further landslips.

It is now expected to be shut for weeks.

Network Rail had partially reopened the route yesterday.

However its ground measurements have now detected further movement of a railway embankment at Eden Brow, near Appleby.

Martin Frobisher, Network Rail’s route managing director, said: “The safety of the railway is always our top priority.

“While we recognise the impact that closing this important route will have on many people, we need to close this railway line in order to undertake extensive repairs.

“Since movement of the embankment was first detected by aerial monitoring, we have had a team of experts on site to monitor conditions and to measure ground movement. 

"This team measured significant movement of the embankment overnight and we have needed to close the line.

“Major repairs are needed and the line is likely to be shut for many weeks while these take place.”

Replacement buses are now in operation between Appleby and Carlisle. Trains then run from Appleby to Leeds.

Earlier this month a large section embankment below the two-track railway at Eden Brow slipped into the River Eden, running below.

Trains had been allowed to run through the area at speeds of 5mph on one of the two tracks while engineers and geotechnical experts designed a permanent repair.

Network Rail’s said workers are now being mobilised to tackle the problem as quickly as possible.