Damage to the sea wall between Dover and Folkestone will need a full rebuild which could take much longer than repairs, says Dover MP.

Charlie Elphicke visited the site again and held a task force meeting to discuss the full extent of the works needed.

From the tests carried out by Network Rail, he said it has become clear that the wooden viaduct supporting the tracks has rotted away.

The task force meeting heard that a repair would not be possible due to the seriousness of the damage and the rotten state of the old wooden viaduct.

It is now clear a full rebuild will be necessary.

Mr Elphicke said: "It is disappointing that the Dover sea wall cannot be given a running repair. It's going to need a full rebuild. This is going to take much longer to do than a running repair.

Watch: Network Rail explain the problems

“The task force will do all possible to make sure these repairs are carried out as swiftly as possible.

"We need the high speed connection for Dover, Deal and the villages as soon as possible.

"We all understand how disruptive this has been for everyone and that's why we are doing everything to get the railway fixed as soon as possible."

A new viaduct on substantial piles sunk deep into the chalk, will need to be built.

Network Rail are now assessing how long this project will take.