THE Tarka Line, which runs from Exeter to Barnstaple, closed for engineering works on October 12 and will remain closed until 5.30am on Monday, October 21.

Track renewal works have been taking place and a replacement bus service has been operating.

During this period the A377 Barnstaple to Exeter road is also closed north of Portsmouth Arms due to Devon County Council carrying out roadworks.

This entails a diversion of the replacement buses via High Bickington and Atherington, which is adding another 20 minutes to the journey time.

First Great Western say that until tomorrow, Saturday, October 19, an hourly train service will operate between Exeter St Davids and Crediton, with reduced frequency in the evenings.

Customers should change at Crediton for the replacement service to Barnstaple, which will call at intermediate stations between Copplestone and Barnstaple. A rail replacement service will operate to Yeoford.

From Sunday, October 13 to Sunday, October 20, a two hourly train service will operate between Exeter St Davids and Crediton, with the other replacement services still in place but on a two-hour basis.

The Tarka Rail Association says rail customers should check station posters, the First Great Western website and National Rail enquires for further information.

Motorists are advised that the Crediton Level Crossing, Fordton, will be closed on Friday, November 1, for annual maintenance.