Trains running again after track defect

Train services between Oxted in Surrey and Uckfield in East Sussex are running again following repairs to a track defect, albeit at a reduced speed.

Southern Rail had anticipated the line not reopening until 08:00 BST on Tuesday, but said engineers had now repaired the defect and trains were travelling between the two stations.

The rail operator advised passengers to expect delays of at least 20 minutes and said the speed restrictions were expected until 12:00 BST.

The disruption comes after a train derailment in Lewes caused ongoing delays between Lewes and Haywards Heath, while a landslip on Saturday further affected services between Eastbourne and Polegate.

Southern said: "Engineers have now repaired a track defect near Edenbridge Town. Trains can now run on this route, albeit at a lower speed than normal."

It thanked customers for bearing with them while "teams worked hard to repair the track and safely reopen the railway".

Meanwhile, the section of track involved in the recent train derailment in Lewes will be closed until at least the 26 August while the train is recovered and track repairs carried out, Southern has said.

It said that the closure was likely to continue beyond this date while the major train recovery operation continues.

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