Plans to reopen a railway line disrupted by landslips have been pushed back.

Network Rail had expected the line between Hastings and London, which links the East Sussex coast, Kent and the capital, to open on a reduced timetable tomorrow (Monday).

However it today (Sunday) announced the re-opening would be put back “several days” after a landslip at Whatlington started moving again before repairs could be completed.

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail's route managing director for Kent, said: "We are sorry for the delay in opening the route and we know how important it is to get people back on trains.

“However, we have to put safety first and in this instance the movement of the landslip means it will not be safe to run trains over it for a few more days.

"Thankfully we had a team on site working on the slip so we were able to take immediate action.

"In the meantime we are working with Southeastern on a new plan for the week ahead.

"Passengers are advised to check before they travel for first part of the week and we will will work with the operator to keep them informed of any further developments."

Southeastern said buses would continue to replace trains between Battle and Wadhurst on Monday.