NEW flooding problems caused by rising groundwater levels affecting signalling are delaying trains in Redhill, Merstham, Coulsdon South, Purley and Gatwick Airport.
The problems at Coulsdon South appear to be caused by the emergence of the Coulsdon Bourne, a watercourse that only appears at times of exceptionally wet weather. Eight houses in Reddown Road, near Coulsdon South Station have had floodwater rising in their gardens and the householders affected are concerned it may be creeping towards their homes. A pile of sandbags have been delivered to Reddown Road.
There will be disruption to Southern services between Purley and Gatwick Airport until further notice, the rail company said today.
In recent days, water has also been seeping into electrical equipment at Merstham, affecting signalling, Southern said.
"A signalling problem caused by flooding at Coulsdon South and Merstham is causing disruption to Southern services between Purley and Gatwick Airport," said Southern in a statement to travellers.
"Some trains travelling from London towards Gatwick Airport will be diverted and not call at stations between Coulsdon South and Gatwick Airport.
"Services which do travel between Merstham and Redhill may be delayed by up to 10 minutes.
"To check your journey, please use the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner."
