Rail bosses have admitted they do not know when the line that links East Sussex and London will be repaired.

Trains between Hastings and London via Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells have been disrupted since December after heavy weather caused landslips along the line.

Network Rail has now stated that shifting ground around the damaged embankment is making it difficult to predict when work will be finished.

The stretch of track between Battle and Robertsbridge was set to be opened on March 3 but replacement bus services will now continue to run until further notice.

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s route managing director for Kent, said: “This has been a very difficult time for everyone using this stretch of railway and we appreciate passengers’ patience while we do the work that is needed.

“Despite extensive surveying and expert work we were disappointed that the ground around the landslip moved again. This area is still not safe and we have to undertake more detailed in-depth ground investigations to determine why this happened.”

There were three serious landslips along the line over the prolonged period of wet weather.

Network Rail has deployed additional engineering teams for additional strengthening work before the trains can run safely.

Ms Taylor added: “I’d like to extend my thanks once again to Southeastern and their passengers for continuing to bear with us while we complete what has become a real engineering challenge.”

Commuters and travellers have been left frustrated due to the lack of service and are concerned about whether the railway will be fixed for the summer.

One annoyed holiday hopeful tweeted: “Looks like my plans for days out in Battle/Hastings over the summer need to be put on hold.

“No way is my baby going on those buses.”