Revised rail timetables have been released for the section between Dover and Folkestone - after a high tide created huge cracks in the sea wall.

The track between Dover Priory and Folkestone Central is closed following severe damage to a sea wall at Dover on Christmas Eve.

Since then, the wall has deteriorated further with severe damage to a number of sections and there are a number of sink holes six to nine feet deep along the length of the wall.

Major work will need to be carried out to repair the track and the sea wall will also need to be rebuilt, it's been revealed by train operator Southeastern.

When engineers from Network Rail have completed a full assessment of the damage, they will issue an estimate of when it is likely to reopen.

However, it's expected to remain closed for a "substantial" time.

The damage means trains are now not able to run between that stretch of track.

Peak high speed Kent Coast services and most off peak services are unable to stop at Dover Priory, Martin Mill, Walmer, Deal or Sandwich.

Southeastern has now confirmed that, from Monday, high speed services via Herne Bay will terminate and start back from Ramsgate.

High speed services via Folkestone West will terminate and start back from Folkestone Central.

To help passengers at the five affected stations – Dover Priory, Martin Mill, Walmer, Deal and Sandwich – there will be

• A bus replacement service running between Dover and Folkestone West calling at Folkestone Central. This will remain in place while repairs to the line take place.
• A special train service is running throughout each day from Dover Priory to Ramsgate stopping at Martin, Mill, Walmer, Deal and Sandwich.
• Folkestone West car park will be free to all passengers with tickets from Dover Priory, Martin Mill, Walmer, Deal or Sandwich as some passengers may find driving to Folkestone West to catch train services from there to be the quickest option.
• The normal train service will operate from Dover to London via Canterbury East.

Southeastern has announced it is not asking passengers to pay the full high speed fare where it is unable to provide a high speed service.

So high speed fares are suspended from Dover Priory, Martin Mill, Walmer, Deal and Sandwich while the works continue.

This means that once passengers arrive at Folkestone or Ramsgate by replacement bus or train services from these five stations they will not be expected to pay an extra supplement to catch a high speed Service for their remaining journey.