Trains from St Albans into central London are set to be affected by "major engineering work".

Thameslink services between Bedford and West Hampstead Thameslink  are set to be disrupted on Sunday (October 1) and next weekend (October 6 and 7).

Replacement bus services will operate between Bedford and West Hampstead Thameslink, Bedford and Hitchin, Luton Airport Parkway and Hitchin, and St Albans and Potters Bar.

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Gavin Crook, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We know that these works will cause disruption to passengers’ journeys over the two weekends and, for that, we apologise, but this work is vital to delivering long term improvements to passenger experience on the Midland Main Line.

“We’re encouraging all passengers to check before they travel via National Rail Enquiries or their train operator and to leave extra time for their journey as this work will incur additional journey times.

"We want to thank all passengers for their patience and understanding while this work is carried out.”

Train strikes have meant that no trains will run across the majority of Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern rail services on both Saturday (September 30) and next Wednesday (October 4), while fewer trains are expected on both Friday this week and next Friday.

Jenny Saunders, customer services director for Govia Thameslink Railway, added: “We thank passengers for their patience during Network Rail’s modernisation programme, which is increasing capacity, sustainability and reliability on this important route. Please allow plenty of extra time when planning and checking your routes.

“We are also sorry for the continued inconvenience caused to our customers by the ongoing industrial action.”

Lastly, Dave Meredith, customer services director for East Midlands Railway, commented: "We are asking any customers planning to travel to or from London on Sunday October 1, Saturday October 7 or Sunday October 8 to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete their journey.

“Rail replacement bus services will keep customers moving on both weekends between Bedford and Hitchin, connecting rail services between Hitchin and London King’s Cross."

Journeys can be checked online via the National Rail website: www.nationalrail.co.uk