The Abbey railway line will reopen next month after it was closed for over a month.

London Northwestern Railway announced there would be no trains running in either direction between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey from December 20 last year due to staff availability.

Originally it was estimated that the line would be shut until at least January 4, but the line has still yet to reopen.

The Abbey Line is a single line track that ferries passengers between Watford and St Albans daily, via stations including Watford North, Garston, Park Street, How Wood, and Bricket Wood – and while the service was not running this month, there were bus replacement services.

Now the rail operator has confirmed that it aims to restore a full train service in February.

A spokesperson said: “Following a recent reduction in the number traincrew off work with Covid-19, we anticipate we will be able to restore a full train service on the Abbey Line in February.

“Once a date for the resumption of the service has been confirmed, details will be posted on our website, social media channels and journey planners will be updated.

“Rail replacement buses are continuing to operate in the meantime, and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding while we work to restore trains to the Abbey Line.”