CHILDREN marooned by floods on the A22 at Whyteleafe will now be able to get to their classes with dry feet. And other people, including commuters, are expected to make use of the facility.
For a construction firm has erected a makeshift pedestrian bridge between Maple Road and the BP station.
Delighted locals and traders were full of praise for ForMark Scaffolding, run by Whyteleafe Village councillor Mark Coote, which has built the bridge today (Thursday) from scaffolding poles over a 100-yard section of the road and pavement where the water has been at its deepest and which, fear locals, is now polluted.
The firm is partly funding the emergency construction and Tandridge District Council is believed to be making a contribution. It should be completed and in use by tonight or tomorrow morning (Friday, February 14).
"They have been like Trojans, working so hard to build the bridge and help out the people of Whyteleafe along the way," said a Whyteleafe businessman who asked not to be named.
Last night, the BP station said trade had been badly affected by the floods in recent days, due to the closure of the A22 between Hillbury Road and Purley.
Former Tandridge District Chairman, Councillor Sakina Bradbury, was at the flood scene last night helping people to find a way around the floodwater near Wraysbury Tyres and the BP station. At one stage, she helped to carry a baby across back gardens and an alleyway after she found the bare-footed mother struggling at 10pm.
The floods, which have led to people being evacuated from their homes in Kenley and Purley by the fire brigade, have been caused by the emergence of the Caterham bourne. It has sprung up at Woldingham and has flowed fast down Woldingham Road and on into Whyteleafe and Kenley on its way to Purley, leaving a trail of chaos.
