Trams running through central Croydon will be closed for most of next week as essential maintenance work takes place.

The Central Croydon loop will shut from tomorrow, October 27 to Thursday, November 1 while London Tramlink carries out annual improvements.

The service between Arena and Elmers End will also be suspended on Saturday before 8.30am and after 6.15pm, and all day Sunday.

Replacement buses will run between Reeves Corner and Sandilands tomorrow and Sunday.

Valid tram tickets will be accepted on bus routes 119, 194, 198 and 466 between Sandilands, East Croydon and the town centre, as well as other bus services in the area.

Oyster pay as you go customers will receive an automatic refund if they touch in correctly when boarding each mode.

When Elmers End tram stop is closed, the 289 bus links Addiscombe tram stop to Elmers End, and the 356 bus links Elmers End with Birkbeck tram stop.

Transport for London’s Chief Operating Officer, Howard Smith said: “These works are necessary to upgrade the network and keep the service running smoothly during the rest of the year.

“We apologise for any inconvenience but do our best to carry them out as quickly as possible and keep disruption to an absolute minimum for both passengers and residents.”

TfL said the works, as well as being vital for the maintenance of the system, will also help provide passengers with more comfortable and reliable journeys.

Normal service to the line will resume on Friday, November 2.