WANSTEAD underground station is to close for 10 weeks, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.

The busy tube stop will be shut down from Monday June 22 until the end of August 2009 while 'modernisation' works are carried out.

The station will also shut at 9pm every night from September until mid-October.

The works, part of the London Underground Investment Programme, will see a new station control room installed at the transport hub, along with an upgrading of CCTV systems, an "improved" PA system, help points and new electronic information boards.

Major structural works, including the demolition of a large concrete slab which overhangs the top of the station escalators, will also be carried out.

Peter Tollington, Central line General Manager, said: “When all station works are complete, customers will get a completely modernised station with improved security and communication facilities.

“However to complete these works we need to demolish the ceiling which is above the station escalators and carry out structural alterations in the ticket hall area to create the new station control point.

"So as not to compromise the safety of our customers and staff we need to close the station while these works take place.”

The works are scheduled to be completed by November.

UPDATE: TfL are advising passengers to use nearby stops such as Leytonstone, Snaresbrook or Redbridge while the works are carried out.

Underground tickets will be accepted on bus routes such as the numbers 66 and 145, which both roughly follow the Central line between Redbridge and Leytonstone stations.