THE centenary celebrations of Beaconsfield train station are being postponed because of the Tesco tunnel collapse.

Chiltern Railways, which runs the London-to-Birmingham service that stops off at Beaconsfield, is keen to take part in a centenary celebration for the town next year but has requested that the plans be put on hold.

The Tesco tunnel buckled on June 30, causing disruptions to the vital commuter service.

The tunnel reopened two months later but Chiltern Railways is still working with Tesco, which is building a supermarket at the Gerrards Cross site, to reimburse those who were forced to find alternative travel arrangements while the tunnel was under reconstruction.

A spokesman for the town council, which has yet to reveal the kind of celebration it has in mind, said: "A letter has been received from Chiltern Railways confirming that they are very keen to acknowledge the forthcoming centenary celebrations.

"However, due to the tunnel collapse at Gerrards Cross, the celebration plans have been temporarily put on hold.

"A letter has been sent to Chiltern Railways welcoming their planned centenary celebrations and they have responded suggesting a meeting in early October."

Chiltern Railways has run the line between London Marylebone and Birmingham Snow Hill since 1996.

The origins of the Chiltern line itself stretch back more than 100 years.

Marylebone Station first opened to passenger trains in 1899 and 100 years ago the line via Beaconsfield was opened and suburban services to High Wycombe began.

In 1923, the Great Central Railway became part of the London and North Eastern Railway but when the Great Central main line closed in 1966, Marylebone became the suburban terminus for trains that it is now.