The Devon holiday resort of Paignton could be without trains during the start of this year’s peak summer season, after the station was badly damaged by a fire.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the cause was suspicious, and three boys aged 13, 15 and 16 have been arrested on suspicion of arson, contrary to the Criminal Damage Act. They have since been released on conditional bail while police enquiries continue.
Great Western Railway said the damage to the station roof is serious, and the station must remain closed while safety inspections continue.
No trains are running beyond Torquay, and intercity Great Western and CrossCountry trains which usually run to Paignton are being terminated at Exeter St David’s, where passengers can join local trains as far as Torquay, from where rail replacement buses are departing for Paignton.
GWR and Network Rail Western performance director Daryn McCombe said: ‘We know that Paignton station is much more than a transport hub, it is a familiar landmark at the heart of the town, and we understand that many people have been affected by the impact of the fire. We remain determined to do everything we can to restore services as quickly as possible.
‘While the fire has been extinguished, Network Rail still need to carry out further detailed inspections of the station building and surrounding railway infrastructure before trains can return. Safety must come first, and services will only resume once it is safe to do so.’
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