Chiltern Railways is warning passengers that its services will be much busier than normal this weekend - because it will be the only direct route running between Birmingham and London. 

Major works are being carried out on the West Coast Main Line between Birmingham New Street and London Euston, so Chiltern Railways services will be the only direct route available. 

They are warning anyone that has to travel that social distancing may not always be possible because of the busier nature of the journeys. 

They have amended their timetable and "strengthened" services, while queing systems are also being put in place at Birmingham Moor Street and Marylebone. 

Customers are being advised to arrive early and allow extra time. 

On Monday, May 3, a strengthened train service will be operating all day and customers looking to travel on this day should check the Chiltern Railways website for more information.

From Saturday, May 1, until 1.30pm on Monday, May 3, part of the Bakerloo line will be closed for engineering work and customers needing to use London Underground services should look at alternatives routes to get to their destination.

Eleni Jordan, Commercial and Customer Strategy Director for Chiltern Railways, said: “Chiltern Railways are doing all that we can to make sure that those who need to travel by rail can do so over the Bank Holiday.

"While we have strengthened services, we anticipate our trains will be busier than usual and social distancing may not be possible on all services.

“Customers should allow extra time for their journey and ensure that they check the Chiltern website or download the app for the latest information.”