More trains are set to operate between the new Meridian Water station in Enfield and Stratford, delivering more seats for passengers.

It is thanks to the completion of £170m of work by Network Rail to build 5.5km of new track on the Lea Valley Line and new platforms at Tottenham Hale and Northumberland Park.

The completion of the work means there will be increased capacity on the West Anglia main line, with two additional trains an hour now able to run between Stratford and Meridian Water.

The increase in service frequency is the latest step in a programme of improvements which saw Meridian Water station open in June as part of a £6bn development of the area being led by Enfield Council.

Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said the more frequent rail service would “help drive the regeneration” of the Meridian Water scheme.

She continued: “The improved connectivity will help local people take advantage of services, jobs and opportunities right across London.

“Enfield Council has invested more than £250 million of its own money to drive the Meridian Water project forward including £40million in the new station.

“It is an exciting time with Meridian Water on track and gathering pace the new station opening and now the new more regular train service being delivered.”

Improvements to Tottenham Hale station include a new platform and accessible footbridge with lifts and an escalator, reducing congestion around the station.

Upgrades to Northumberland Park station include building an additional platform and new step-free footbridge across the railway for passengers and the community.

Martin Moran, Greater Anglia’s commercial and customer service director, said: “Thanks to the completion of the new section of track, people in the Lea Valley can now enjoy a more frequent service, including at weekends, as the third track provides the additional capacity that enables us to operate two additional trains per hour throughout the day between Meridian Water and Stratford.

“Further benefits will also follow with the introduction of our entire fleet of new trains, which are due to be rolled out across our network, including on Meridian Water services, by the end of 2020.”

Rail Minister, Chris Heaton Harris, added: “We have worked closely with Enfield Council and Network Rail to improve local rail connections to coincide with the extensive local investment in new housing.

“This is a win for local people and rail users and shows that, with proper investment, our railway network can expand and adapt to reflect the needs of passengers.”