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Maidstone East and Robertsbridge landslips cause Southeastern disruption for Tunbridge Wells, Ashford and London services

Two landslips have been causing rail commuter chaos today.

Southeastern has confirmed that the incidents, which are affecting services to Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Ashford, are expected to disrupt several train services.

One of the landslips affecting rail travel today. Picture: Network Rail
One of the landslips affecting rail travel today. Picture: Network Rail

One of the landslides has blocked several lines by the Maidstone East station.

The second happened at Robertsbridge, an East Sussex village along the A21, and as a result, all trains running through the station have been cancelled.

A Southeastern spokesman said: “Network Rail staff discovered a landslip near Maidstone East whilst working overnight.

“Network Rail safety systems triggered an alarm overnight alerting staff to the landslip at Robertsbridge.

“Teams of engineers are on both sites, working to make the railway safe.”

One of the landslips affecting rail travel today. Picture: Network Rail
One of the landslips affecting rail travel today. Picture: Network Rail

The Maidstone East line towards Ashford is closed and Southeastern has warned travellers that trains will not run until at least 5pm.

It is understood that Network Rail has deployed a specialist geo-engineering team to assess the site.

They will be carrying out emergency overnight work tonight to fix the landslip.

Southeastern has tonight confirmed the line from London towards Maidstone will not re-open today (Friday).

Services will also not run between Maidstone East and Otford.

Commuters must change at Otford for services to London Bridge, Waterloo East and London Charing Cross.

Southeastern services have been affected by two landslips. Picture: Southeastern
Southeastern services have been affected by two landslips. Picture: Southeastern

For those travelling on services between London Victoria to Ashford via Maidstone East, services will divert via Paddock Wood between Otford and Ashford and will not call at any Maidstone East Line stations.

You must change at Otford for a limited replacement bus service running to Ashford via Maidstone East.

Ashford to London Victoria via Maidstone East services will run and will call at all booked stations, however, they may be delayed.

Southeastern says passengers can use their tickets to complete journeys at no extra cost on Thameslink services between Sevenoaks and London, Southeastern services between Ashford and London – including High Speed services, the London Underground – for travel between our London Terminals, replacement buses running from Otford to Ashford via Maidstone East and the Stagecoach route, 10X, between Ashford, Charing, Lenham, Harrietsham, Hollingbourne, Bearsted and Maidstone.

Due to the Robertsbridge landslip, disruption is expected to be ongoing until at least 6pm for services running through the area.

Trains between Victoria and Ashford International via Maidstone East will be affected. Picture: Stock image
Trains between Victoria and Ashford International via Maidstone East will be affected. Picture: Stock image

There are no trains running between Battle and Tunbridge Wells.

A limited service will run between Hastings and Battle.

Those affected can use their tickets to complete journeys at no extra cost on Southern Railway services via reasonable routes, Southeastern services between Ashford and London – including High Speed services, the London Underground – for travel between our London Terminals, replacement buses between Hastings and Tunbridge Wells and Stagecoach bus routes 23, between Hastings and St Leonards Warrior Square, 98, between Hastings, St Leonards Warrior Square, and West St Leonards, and 1066, between Hastings, St Leonards Warrior Square, Battle, Robertsbridge, Wadhurst, and Tunbridge Wells

For more information visit the Southeastern website.

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