Network Rail promises further action after Corby line flooded AGAIN at same spot as last year's landslip

The authorities had been warned to work together to help prevent further derailments
The line flooded again on August 16The line flooded again on August 16
The line flooded again on August 16

The rail line operator has pledged to make it easier for their workers to act quickly to prevent further flooding of a track in Corby.

Last summer, Pen Green Balancing Lakes overflowed on to the track, taking water and debris down on to the railway line and causing two passenger services to become trapped. As a result, 500 people were stuck on two trains for more than seven hours.

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Network Rail workers inspect the line at CorbyNetwork Rail workers inspect the line at Corby
Network Rail workers inspect the line at Corby

All the parties were told to put their heads together and come together to resolve the situation once and for all.

But during heavy rainfall on August 16 this year, which saw nearby Wellingborough flooded, the line was under water again.

Pictures obtained by the Northants Telegraph show workers examining the flooding which again shut the track in both directions.

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Network Rail have now said that the incident was caused by a trash gate becoming blocked with debris - the same type of problem that caused last year's landslip.

A statement said: "On Sunday, 16 August, when there was 69mm of rainfall in just four hours, part of the drainage system became blocked with debris, which meant water could not get through a screen and went down onto the railway.

"Floodwater can dislodge ballast, the stones which support the track, and cause damage to equipment. The line was blocked whilst Network Rail teams carried out safety inspections and removed the debris from the screen, so the water could run away from the railway. This work did not impact on train services, and they continued as normal on Monday morning.

"When heavy rain is forecast, we have extra teams out monitoring the weather and the railway in areas which are at risk of flooding, and additional measures in place. Equipment is used which alerts workers if water levels rise, so speed restrictions can be put in place and trains can continue running safely and reliably.

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"Following the landslip in July 2019, a camera was also installed inside the screen, to allow teams to remotely see if it is blocked, ahead of heavy rainfall. All of this work helps to prevent flooding on the railway and reduce the impact it can have.

"We are planning to build a low-level platform which will make it easier for teams to clean the debris from the screen, so water can continue running away from the railway.

"We are also working closely with stakeholders, including Northamptonshire County Council, Corby Town Council, Anglian Water and the Environment Agency, to plan and deliver effective flood risk reduction measures."