Baildon landslip: Train services will remain suspended

Network Rail and contractors have been at the scene for around a month after the landslip caused the railway line to close.

Train services were initially expected to return from mid-March.

But Network Rail today said the line would remain closed for several more weeks "due to the complex environment at the site of the landslip".

Northern rail's website currently states disruption is expected until 11.50pm on April 18.

Specialist vehicles and other equipment have been used to remove more than 1,800 tonnes of earth to stabilise the land, according to Network Rail.

The line will remain shut for several more weeks (Image: Network Rail)

Matt Rice, route director for Network Rail's north and east route, said: "We know that the train service through the area is important to local residents are we are both sorry for this delay in reopening the line and grateful for the continued patience of passengers.

"The site is incredible complex which has meant work has not been able to be carried out as quickly as we were initially hoping.

"We are continuing to liaise with local residents impacted by this landslip and with various partner agencies to reinstate the train service as soon as we can while maintaining a safe working environment."

Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern, added: "All services between Bradford Forster Square and Ilkley remain suspended following the landslip near Baildon station – however, services that run via Bradford Forster Square and Leeds and Leeds and Ilkley are not affected.

"A number of rail replacement services are in operation to ensure passengers can still get to where they want to be, and we would encourage customers to 'check before they travel' to see how their journey is affected.

"We will continue to support Network Rail in any way that we can as they continue efforts to re-open the line."

A woman who lives near the site contacted the Telegraph & Argus earlier this month to raise concerns about "disruption" locally as a result of the ongoing work.

She added: "Many residents - including me - would be very surprised if the line is actually reopen by mid-March."

In response, a Network Rail spokesperson said: "We have put mitigations in place to minimise noise disturbance, including the use of acoustic barriers, and want to thank residents for their continued understanding at this time."