Bob Dale

A lineside fire between Gatwick Airport and Purley caused extensive damage to signalling equipment and disrupted rail services between London, Sussex and Surrey. Although all lines had reopened by Monday afternoon, delays were expected to continue beyond 17:00 BST, with London Victoria–Eastbourne services suspended until further notice and other Sussex coast services making additional stops. Passengers could use London Underground services on valid tickets, while Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express services were also affected by a tunnel closure.

Southern Water plans £30m of improvements to Thanet’s water network, including faster reservoir recovery, new nitrate treatment systems and upgraded disinfection and power systems. The investment follows repeated beach swimming bans and past prosecutions over sewage spills, including a guilty plea to 13 offences in 2025 and a £90m fine in 2021. The company says the upgrades aim to improve reliability and resilience amid rising demand and hotter summers.

The Harlequin Theatre in Redhill remains on the Theatres Trust at-risk list as repair work continues following its 2023 closure due to Raac. Reigate and Banstead Borough Council said reopening the venue is a top priority but additional essential works have extended the timeline, with construction expected to begin in November 2026. Green Party councillors and local figures, including Dame Judi Dench, have urged the council to provide a clear reopening schedule, citing economic losses and a need for greater transparency.