A new station is opening on the Cumbrian Coast line today, so that trains can link the two halves of Workington which have been separated by the disastrous floods in the region.

Workington North, a simple two-platform structure which has been built in less than a week by Network Rail from scaffolding and planks, will provide a link between Northside and the main centre of Workington. Other bridges which cross the River Derwent have been destroyed or badly damaged by the surging river.

The Mayor of Workington, accompanied by representatives of Network Rail and Northern, was formally declaring the new station open at 11.00. Workington North also has a gravel-surfaced car park and a waiting shelter. Local buses are being diverted to serve it.

Northern has increased its service on the Cumbrian Coast with twelve additional journeys between Maryport and Workington from today, and all trains on the line will call at the new station until further notice. Carlisle-based operator Direct Rail Services is providing an additional three-coach train for the new shuttle.

The initiative by Network Rail and Northern is the first which will reconnect the divided town: the Army has started to build a footbridge across the River Derwent, but this is unlikely to be completed for another week.