Railway line reopens after nine-day closure

A section of railway in Kent has reopened following a nine-day closure for "essential" works, Southeastern says.

The line between Tonbridge and Wadhurst shut on 24 October, with the closure being extended to Battle in East Sussex on the final day.

Tom Moore, speaking on behalf of Network Rail and train operator Southeastern, had said the closure over the school holiday was "short-term pain for longer-term gain".

He added the only alternative would have involved closures over multiple weekends.

The main work carried out was to renew worn slab track just south of Tunbridge Wells on the line between Hastings and London.

Slab track is fixed to a concrete base and is used in some tunnels to strengthen and stabilise the railway.

Mal Leadbetter, Network Rail programme manager, said renewing the track would lead to less maintenance and less disruption in the future.

The new track had a life span of about 50 years, he added.

Works also took place at Wadhurst Tunnel, Stonegate, Etchingham, Robertsbridge and the Mountfield Tunnel.

Buses replaced trains where they could not run, but services from Tonbridge to London, Ashford and Redhill were unaffected by the closure.

A shuttle train service also ran between Wadhurst and Hastings.

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