Virgin Trains said its service between Glasgow and Carlisle has been suspended due to viaduct damage caused by Storm Frank and will not reopen until February 1.

Virgin said it will run a limited train service between Glasgow and Carlisle via a “diversionary route” which will add 90 minutes journey time, and it will also provide a coach service between the two destinations.

Customers have been urged to check before they travel after it was confirmed that Lamington Viaduct near Lockerbie on the West Coast Mainline is to remain closed throughout January while engineers carry out repairs to the damage caused by Storm Frank.

One pier of the viaduct has been weakened and Virgin said investigations into the full extent of the damage will continue until the end of next week.

“At this stage it is anticipated the first trains will cross the viaduct Monday 1st February 2016,” said Virgin.

“We’re really sorry for the disruption this will cause to our passengers on the West Coast Mainline,” said Virgin.

“Safety is always the most important consideration on the railway and we support Network Rail’s decision to close the West Coast Mainline between Carlisle and Scotland until they are sure it is safe to run trains.

“We will continue to provide a replacement coach service for passengers between Carlisle and Glasgow, and there is also an alternative train service running on a diversionary route — however this is a limited service and will also add around 90 minutes to the journey.”

Virgin Trains tickets are being accepted on East Coast services between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh, and also on Cross Country services between Birmingham and Glasgow.

“We will of course give a full refund for anyone who decides not to travel,” said Virgin.