Commuters using Kentish Town tube station will face a long walk to travel after next week, as the downwards escalator is out of action.

Work on the escalators in Kentish Town tube station has been delayed at the last minute.

The planned maintenance work was set to take the downwards escalator out of action. It was due to start on Monday.

Passengers would have only been able to get down to the platform by using the spiral staircase.

Despite the delay, they are hoping to start the work within weeks.

During the work that will start in August the upwards escalator will be working normally.

Transport for London (TfL) are advising passengers to use Camden Town or Tufnell Park where possible.

The work is expected to be finished in December, after the delayed start.

Anybody using the Thameslink service in the morning rush hour will be directed out of the “night gate” and in through the ticket hall.

London Underground’s escalators weigh around 40 tonnes and carry millions of people each year.

Maintenance work on them takes place every 20 years.

Head of customer service for the northern line, Marcia Williams, said: “I’d like to thank customers for their patience while this work takes place and our station staff will be available to anyone who requires any assistance.”