Leaves on the line – and a few trees – delay Brighton and Hove trains

Trains are due to resume running from Brighton from just after 10.15am today (Monday 28 October).

As the storm subsided the train operator Southern said: “We have a number of large trees still blocking lines on our network which Network Rail is in the process of removing.

“The Brighton mainline has now been cleared of trees and we will begin operating services just after 10.15am.

“The first service to run will be the 1019 Brighton to Victoria service with further services to follow.

“Gatwick Express services will be reinstated shortly after this point and Southern tickets will be accepted on Gatwick Express services.

“We will then begin operating on further routes once they have been confirmed as clear and are safe for us to run services.

“Work to clear lines remains ongoing on the East Coastway and other routes, and we hope to have those open as soon as possible.

“Passengers are reminded to check www.southernrailway.com before they travel.”

Network Rail has cleared more than a hundred trees from lines in the south east including one at Keymer near Hassocks affecting the mainline. More than 40 of those were on lines used by Southern.

Thameslink operator First Capital Connect said that because of the severe weather there would be no services until further notice.

On its website the company said: “Gale force winds and heavy rain have hit London and the south east of England overnight. We advise you not to travel.”

It added: “Following last night’s storms, services of all rail operators including First Capital Connect are severely disrupted and currently suspended on many routes.

“The storm has led to fallen trees and damage to buildings and other structures, some of which are blocking the railway at a number of locations.

“We are also unable to operate any replacement buses at this time.

“It is possible that some lines may remain closed all day. We advise you not to attempt to travel.

“If you do need to travel, please ensure you check the latest situation here and consider using other modes of transport although the road network will be similarly disrupted.

“We are very sorry for any disruption you do experience. We are working with Network Rail and all other rail operators to ensure that we deliver a safe service.”