THE heatwave may have broken but its consequences continue to be felt, not least on the local c2c rail network where significant disruption to services has been caused by shrinking clay under the tracks.

The train operator is advising customers travelling that disruption is expected due to emergency speed restrictions, which will cause short notice delays and cancellations until further notice.

A statement from c2c says: "We strongly recommend you travel earlier in the day or after the peak times if you can, be flexible and check before you travel.

"The prolonged dry weather has caused the clay underneath the tracks to dry out and shrink, which has caused some issues with track quality. In response, speed restrictions have been introduced to keep everyone moving safely and smoothly.

"Speed restrictions will need to be in place until the ground conditions have recovered, which can take some time. The normal timetables will be reintroduced as soon as possible, with further updates to be provided in due course.

"To help minimise the disruption some services will be cancelled:

Trains cancelled to London:

Friday 21 August

05:42 Thorpe Bay to London Fenchurch Street

05:57 Shoeburyness to London Fenchurch Street

06:11 Shoeburyness to London Fenchurch Street

16:48 Pitsea to London Fenchurch Street

17:21 Shoeburyness to London Fenchurch Street

17:27 Shoeburyness to London Fenchurch Street

18:58 Pitsea to London Fenchurch Street

Trains cancelled from London:

Friday 21 August

17:27 Shoeburyness to London Fenchurch Street

17:47 Grays to London Fenchurch Street

18:33 Grays to London Fenchurch Street

20:52 Shoeburyness to London Liverpool Street

Trains cancelled from London: Monday 24 August

06:26 London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness

06:37 London Fenchurch Street to Pitsea

06:56 London Fenchurch Street to Laindon

08:14 London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness

09:00 London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness

09:49 London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness

11:49 London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness

12:34 London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness

14:34 London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness

15:11 London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central

15:23 London Fenchurch Street to Grays

16:16 London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness

16:54 London Fenchurch Street to Grays

17:07 London Fenchurch Street to Pitsea

17:40 London Fenchurch Street to Grays

18:40 London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness

18:46 London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness

19:35 London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness

22:25 London Liverpool Street to Shoeburyness