TRANSPORT

Cygnet failure: Swans disrupt commuter train as floods lead to delays

Two swans interrupt services in southwest London on two consecutive days, as torrential rail led to floods and delays

Peter Chappell
Thursday September 21 2023, 7.40pm, The Times



South Western Railway commuters faced a second day of delays
JASON ALDEN/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES

Commuters faced a litany of problems on Thursday with cancellations caused by heavy rain, floods and even swans on the line for the second consecutive day.

On Wednesday, a swan had to be removed by National Rail staff after it blocked the line between Kingston and Hampton Wick in southwest London.

On Thursday morning another bird managed to wander on to the line, leading to delays for commuters between Clapham Junction and Wimbledon.

Judge Patricia Lees, who was among those delayed, apologised for keeping barristers waiting at Guildford crown court. “So sorry,” she said. “I’m afraid there were swans on the train line.”

Asked on X/Twitter if the same swan was responsible for both incidents, South Western Railway, the operator, replied: “No I don’t think

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