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Train delays and cancellations on Southeastern due to icy rails

Commuters are facing delays on the trains tonight after icy rails disrupted all routes in Kent.

Southeastern services were thrown into chaos due to poor weather conditions preventing trains from conducting power through the tracks.

Many trains this morning were late, with others unable to move altogether due to the plunging temperatures.

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Train delayed at Marden this morning. Picture: @mtwfire.
Train delayed at Marden this morning. Picture: @mtwfire.

Now commuters are facing delays of up to an hour tonight on Southeastern between Victoria and Ashford International as this morning's conditions continue to affect services.

London Underground is accepting tickets for reasonable routes.

Tickets are also being accepted on Arriva Fasttrack Bus services between Ebbsfleet International and Gravesend.

But disgruntled passengers at Canterbury had a small comfort - they were handed chocolates by staff.

A Southeastern spokesman said earlier: "We apologise to passengers who were delayed this morning due to icy rail conditions in the Kent area.

"Services across Kent are delayed and we advise passengers to check before they travel.

"In addition to this, services were delayed in the Metro area due to a broken rail at Kidbrooke.

"Network Rail worked to repair this line as quickly as they could and the line is now reopen.

"We encourage all passengers who were delayed by 30 minutes or more to claim compensation under our Delay Repay compensation scheme."

All routes were open by 10.30am, but disruption is continuing into the afternoon.

Southeastern says it is working with Network Rail to restore normal service as soon as possible.

The Tonbridge and Malling MP has written an urgent letter to Mark Carne, chief executive of Network Rail, to ask for answers after the major disruption to services this morning.

He said: "Delays and cancellations cause major problems for all commuters heading into London. Employers rely on staff getting to work on time, and the implications of trains running late, or not running at all, are very serious for all.

“That is why I have sent a letter to Network Rail to ask why the network doesn’t seem to be able to cope with today’s weather conditions.

"There is no reason why passengers should have to suffer this level of disruption – and they deserve answers from Network Rail.”

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