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Newington landslip due to climate change, says Network Rail

Network Rail Embankment crack at NewingtonNetwork Rail
About 3,000 tonnes of rock was expected to be used in the repair

A railway director said the train system is "suffering the challenges of climate change" following a landslip in Kent.

Network Rail, which found a 40m (131ft) long crack, said material had slipped about 5m (16ft) down an embankment at Newington on Friday.

Network Rail's Kent route infrastructure director Bob Coulson said more than £470m had been spent on earthworks.

The line is due to reopen on Monday.

Mr Coulson said the amount of money spent "shows the size of the challenge we're facing".

Buses have replaced Southeastern trains between Sittingbourne, Newington, Rainham and Gillingham, and an amended timetable is affecting other services.

Network Rail's Kent route infrastructure director Bob Coulson
Network Rail's Bob Coulson said £470m had been spent on earthworks

An amended train service has also been operating between London Victoria and Gillingham, via Denmark Hill, London St Pancras and Rochester, Sittingbourne and Dover Priory, and Sittingbourne and Ramsgate.

A Network Rail spokesperson had said: "Steps will effectively be cut into the slope before it is backfilled with 3,000 tonnes of stone, which will help reduce the gradient and strengthen the embankment."

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