Rail passengers in Cumbria are being advised to plan ahead next month when travelling due to Network Rail upgrading track near Bootle station.

On five consecutive Sundays from 15 November and 13 December, buses will replace trains between Sellafield and Millom.

The £3.2 million Great North Rail Project investment will involve replacing over 4,000 metres of rails and sleepers, helping to make journeys more comfortable and smoother passengers.

Passengers are being urged to check before they travel via the National Rail website or the Northern Trains website.

Phil James, North West route director for Network Rail, said: “We’re committed to putting Cumbrian passengers first. This work as part of the Great North Rail Project will not only make the coast line more reliable for Northern passengers but also for economically important freight trains travelling along this picturesque route.

“The essential work has been carefully planned to cause the least disruption to passengers. We thank people for their patience and advise people travelling between Sellafield and Millom to check with National Rail Enquiries or Northern if they plan to travel by rail on Sundays. I’d also urge to people to follow government guidelines and wear face coverings unless they are exempt when travelling on rail replacement buses.”

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, said: “The engineering work on the Cumbrian Coast line is a key part of the rail industry’s plans to deliver a better, more reliable, network for our customers.

“We are sorry for any disruption during the improvements and our customers can be assured that both Northern and Network Rail will do everything possible to minimise the impact of the work and deliver alternatives that keep people on the move.”