TRAIN lines will be closed again this Christmas.

The National Express line from Southend Victoria to London will shut down for repairs between Liverpool Street and Ilford from December 25 to 28. It will reopen on December 29.

Thousands of commuters from south Essex were left high and dry last New Year when engineering work overran.

But Network Rail bosses said forthcoming repairs, to overhead powerlines and tracks, will be less intensive compared to previous years.

Robin Gisby, director of operations, said: “Passengers will benefit this Christmas from more services as a less intensive work programme is delivered.”

The c2c line between Fenchurch Street and Southend Central station is expected to run as normal.