Rt Hon Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, has expressed his concern and disappointment at the landslip on the Bexleyheath rail line.

The line has been blighted with landslips in the past, with incidents in 2010, 2014 and 2016. Sir David has been in communication with Network Rail over the last two days for updates on the works to remedy the current situation and to the latest landslip is not connected to the previous ones. Network Rail have advised him that this is a wholly separate incident and they are currently in the process of making the cutting safe by using H-piling, where holes are drilled into the earthworks and H-shaped steel beams are inserted into the ground to essentially build a wall that will prevent slippage.

Sir David remains in communications with Network Rail and has requested a meeting with the Managing Director, John Halsall.

Sir David commented: “I am extremely concerned that this has occurred so often in recent years and have asked Network Rail to confirm what actions they will be taking to prevent further landslips along the route. Bexley residents already suffer an appalling rail service and this really has exasperated the issues this week. Not only has the landslip caused significant delays, but the alternative routes have also experienced signal problems which is another issue I am pursuing.”