SUNDAY train services along the Mid Cheshire Line will be replaced by buses throughout July.

The line, which connects Chester to Manchester via Northwich, Knutsford and Altrincham will see some of its Sunday services impacted this summer because of engineering works.

Buses will replace all services on Sunday July 4, 11, 18 and 25 in both directions between Stockport and Chester.

The buses will call at, or near, all stations, but journey times will be much longer, and passengers should allow more time for their journeys.

This also applied to Sunday August 15.

John Oates, chairman of Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association (MCRUA) said: "Whilst MCRUA welcomes the engineering works on all Sundays in July to improve the Mid Cheshire Line, passengers will face travel disruption as buses replace our rail services.

"There will be bus replacement services from every station but journey times will be much longer so passengers should check the timings carefully with National Rail Enquires on 03457 484950 or online at nationalrail.co.uk before travelling.

"At present the Sunday service on the Mid Cheshire Line is only every two hours but MCRUA continues to press for an hourly service.

"On Sundays in July, we warn passengers it is probably not the best day to travel by train on the Mid Cheshire Line."

A Network Rail spokesperson added: “Every Sunday in July and on Sunday, August 15, we will be carrying out track and drainage upgrades through Altrincham to make the Mid Cheshire line more reliable for passenger and freight trains.

"We’re asking passengers to check with nationalrail.co.uk before travelling, as bus replacement services are in place."