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Flooding closes lane on M20 in Ashford and strong winds damage Tenterden Leisure Centre

A leisure centre has been damaged after Kent was battered by heavy rain and strong winds.

A large section of the roof has come down at the building in Tenterden and contractors are heading to the site on Recreation Ground Road to make it safe.

It means the centre will be closed today and bosses say those with swimming lessons that were due to take place will be contacted.

Earlier, one lane of the M20 was closed due to flooding.

Drivers were unable to use the inside lane on the London-bound side between Junctions 10 and 9 for Ashford last night - it finally reopened at around 9am.

The Met Office had issued a yellow weather for the entire county from yesterday lunchtime until 10pm.

It has also resulted in flood alerts being put in force near Dartford and Tunbridge Wells.

Heavy rain on the M20 (21352955)
Heavy rain on the M20 (21352955)

The Environment Agency say they are closely monitoring the situation at Shuttle and Cray and on the Upper River Medway where they are prepared to respond if necessary.

Elsewhere, rail services between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings have resumed after being stopped last night because of a tree on the line.

Southeastern had warned passengers: "The tree is under the train that hit it and is across both lines so the line between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings is currently blocked in both directions.

"The train has been damaged and will need the maintenance team to fix it before it can move."

The line was cleared around after midnight but work to repair damage to power supplies at Sevenoaks was "more extensive than first thought". Network Rail reopened one line between Tonbridge and Sevenoaks allowing some services to run but with delays.

A tree blown onto the track. Stock picture from Network Rail
A tree blown onto the track. Stock picture from Network Rail

Repairs were completed by 2pm Sunday.

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