LANDSLIDES have blocked two lines in Cornwall after gale force winds and torrential rain lashed the far south west overnight.

One of the slips was on the main line between Lostwithiel and Par, while the other was near Luxulyan on the Newquay branch, which is closed as a result. There are also no trains between Par and Liskeard.

Some main line trains are running in the rest of the county and the other branch lines are not affected, but replacement bus services are said to be ‘limited’, although a non-stop road link has been provided between Plymouth and Truro.

First Great Western said it did not expect Newquay branch trains to be restored for several days, and advised passengers not to attempt to travel on the route.

The worst of the storm, which lasted for several hours, appears to have affected central Cornwall in a band from the Newquay area across the county to the south coast. The fierce weather brought down trees, while floodwater of up to 2m has been reported.

A BBC reporter in St Blazey, which adjoins Par, has been speaking of rubble on the roads, and scenes of ‘devastation’. The main A30 road is also reported to be blocked on Bodmin Moor.