Work has begun to reopen a disused platform at Bushey rail station to make way for a later train service.

Network Rail, which oversees the country's railways, said work started today (Monday) to provide more weekday evening and weekend services.

However London Midland, which operates the fast service between Euston and Birmingham, said it was “highly unlike” there would be a new service to the station.

Weekend works at the station have meant that platforms were not available for later evening London Midland services that call at Bushey on weeknights and Saturday nights.

The rail operator said Sunday morning services were also affected.

Simon Whitehorn, area general manager, said: “This is excellent news for passengers who use Bushey station.

Our aim is to create extra capacity and provide reliable services for passengers.

“This is a great example of Network Rail working with our partners to give passengers what they want and need.”

The number of extra stops at the station is yet to be decided.

Network Rail said it would be writing to its people living near the line to inform them about the programme of works.

Nicola Moss, London Midland head of franchise management, added: “We’re delighted to be able to respond to local demand and work with Network Rail to ensure we can reintroduce later evening stops at Bushey."

A spokesman for London Midland said the rail operator was currently looking at how it could best use the extra platform.

The news was met with skepticism by the area's rail passengers' group.

David Charlton, from the Watford Rail Users Group, said he doubted that the work would bring much benefit to Bushey passengers.

He said: “I will be nice to have it, but really it is only there for emergencies as it will only really be used when the slow lanes are closed.

"As far as I am aware they are not planning to change the service.”