South Western Railway delays: Burst water main causes severe disruption on busy London Waterloo routes

Severe delays caused by water mains burst
PA
Luke O'Reilly13 November 2019

A burst water main has caused disruption to train services on some of the busiest routes in the country

South Western Railway (SWR) services to London Waterloo were cancelled or delayed because of a burst water main near the railway line between Surbiton and Wimbledon.

The incident started on Tuesday evening but passengers were warned to expect disruption untilat least 12pm on Wednesday.

There were other problems facing SWR passengers, including a points failure between Epsom and Raynes Park and a signal problem on the Isle of Wight.

Meanwhile, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union is pressing ahead with plans for 27 days of strikes in December in the long-running dispute over guards on trains.

The action, due to start on December 2 and run through to New Year's Day, threatens major disruption for commuters and Christmas shoppers.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "The action throughout December goes ahead exactly as planned and the severe disruption it will create will be wholly down to SWR reneging on pledges to this union and pulling a framework for a possible settlement to the dispute off the table at the last minute.

"RMT will not compromise when safety and accessibility are on the line and it's down to the company to get back round the table in serious talks while there is still time."

The company insists it has given the union assurances on the role of guards and has expressed disappointment at the prospect of so many strikes next month.

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