A new station has opened 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. The first train left at 05.50, and Workington North was formally declared open this morning.

Workington North, a simple two-platform structure which has been built in less than a week by Network Rail from scaffolding and planks, is now providing 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 Allerdale, accompanied by representatives of Network Rail and Northern, declared the 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 locomotive-hauled train for the new free 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.