A train line will be closed for seven days while engineers complete essential safety repairs on a bridge.

Buses will replace trains between Sheerness-on-Sea and Sittingbourne from Saturday, October 26, until November 2.

Its closure will allow Network Rail engineers to complete safety repairs on the Kingsferry Bridge between Queenborough and Swale stations on the Isle of Sheppey.

The repairs come after inspections revealed that the condition of 40 steel ropes which support the bridge had “deteriorated”.

The Kingsferry Bridge had shut throughout June and July for urgent maintenance, but at the end of July, Network Rail said it would need to shut it again for a further eight days in October.

On its website Southeastern says its planned closure had been put in place for when school’s are closed and there are less people needing to travel during peak times.

It said: “We want to thank customers for bearing with us while this essential repair work is carried out on the bridge.

“If you do need to travel along the line during the closure then accessible replacement buses are available but please check journey planners and allow much more time for your journey.”

Replacement buses will not call at Swale station due to low customer numbers.

The Sheerness line with reopen on Sunday, November 3.