NETWORK Rail has closed the railway line between Farnham and Alton over fears that an embankment may collapse with heavy rain forecast tonight.

Rail replacement buses will operate between the two stations “until further notice" as emergency engineering works on the unstable embankment continue.

A spokesman for rail operator South West Trains said: "An emergency speed restriction has been in place on this section of track since April 1 and this was further reduced from 20mph to 5mph following a track inspection.

“There is a risk of forecast rain exacerbating the problem, so the decision has been taken to close the line to identify what repair work needs to be carried out and to allow the work to take place.

"As soon as we have identified what repair work needs to be done, we will be able to confirm how long the line will need to be closed for.”

Rail replacement buses will also serve Bentley, but due to their size they will not be able to serve Bentley station, instead stopping in the village to pick-up and drop off passengers.

Buses toward Alton will stop outside the Memorial Hall, departing Farnham on the hour and 30 minutes past each hour and depart Bentley village Memorial Hall at 10 and 40 minutes past each hour.

While those going toward Farnham will stop outside the Star Inn, departing Alton at 25 and 55 minutes past each hour and depart Bentley village Star Inn at 35 and 05 minutes past each hour.

The first bus departs Farnham at 6.30am and the last one at 10pm, while the first bus departs Alton at 5.25am and the last one at 9.25pm.

The South West Trains spokesman added: "We will continue to update this message as the work progresses, and once we have an accurate estimate on when the line between Farnham and Alton will re-open we will let you know. We are sorry for the disruption to your journey.”

Network Rail has also apologised for any inconvenience caused, but added the safety of passengers must always be its highest priority.