TRAINS have returned to the full length of the Cumbrian Coast line after a three-month repair programme to replace a bridge which was damaged by heavy weather. The collective impact of Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge, which brought high tides, strong winds and heavy rain earlier this year, meant that a bridge at Parton had to be replaced, and until yesterday the line was blocked between Whitehaven and Workington. While this section was closed the opportunity was taken to upgrade sea defences, which had originally been scheduled for attention later this year, and more than 36,000 tonnes of rock armour is now protecting the railway. North West route director Phil James said: ‘The scale of the storm damage on the railway at Parton was significant, and I’m pleased that the Cumbrian Coast line is now available for essential passenger and freight services Our teams have worked tremendously hard over the last 11 weeks to get the railway back up and running, and the upheaval that Covid-19 has caused in that time makes the focus and teamwork demonstrated by colleagues all the more impressive.’