Commuter misery on the Shoebury to Fenchurch Street line could be a thing of the past, it emerged today.

Travellers using the line have had to endure delays between Benfleet and Leigh due to old overhead electricity cables.

However, rail firm c2c has announced it will be replacing the old cables for new ones, meaning trains forced to travel at 40mph will be able to speed up to 75mph.

The work will be carried out over three weekends, including Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27 as well as Sunday, May 4 and Sunday, May 11.

Trains will run between Fenchurch Street and Pitsea and between Leigh and Shoebury with buses taking passengers between Pitsea and Leigh, calling at Benfleet on the way.

David Taylor, route director at c2c, said: "I am sorry for any inconvenience these weekend arrangements may cause but it is important for all users of the line that this work is carried out as quickly as possible."

Meanwhile rail services will be running between Shoebury and Fenchurch Street throughout the Easter period, c2c announced today.

A Sunday service will be in operation on Friday, April 18, Sunday, April 20, and Monday, April 21. A normal service will run on Saturday, April 19.

For more information visit: www.c2c-online.co.uk

Published Tuesday, April 8, 2003

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