Rail travellers could face Christmas disruption

Completing the work will mean closing two of the four lines between Woking and Brookwood

Rail engineers may have to return to finish repairs on a stretch of line in Surrey shortly before Christmas.

Network Rail detected the risk of a landslip between Woking and Brookwood in November.

Engineers spent 9 and 10 December shoring up the land with steel piles, but will have to return to complete the job, with work likely to recommence on 22 December.

An unsafe footbridge over the line has also been removed.

Paul Dent-Jones from Network Rail said 170 sheet piles would need to be installed to shore up the site.

"Sheet piles are 10m long pieces of steel which creates a wall to protect the railway," he said.

"We've installed 60 piles so far, we've got 170 to do.

"It's most likely we're going to come back on 22 December and work through to Christmas Eve.

"We will have to close two of the four lines that are available in that area, so it will mean a significantly reduced service."

Network Rail engineers detected large cracks in the earthworks near Woking

Passengers are being urged to check before they travel.

Network Rail said it was trying to find a replacement for the footbridge "as quickly as possible.