SOUTH Western Railway is warning passengers to expect disruption on the Alton rail line until around 8pm this evening after a fire was spotted near Waterloo.

Due to a small line-side fire between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction some lines are blocked. Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised.

Asked on Twitter if the fault affected trains on the Alton line, SWR responded: “All services the operate through Waterloo and Clapham Junction are being disrupted.”

The disruption is expected until 8pm today (Monday, December 11).

SWR released the following statement: “Our control centre has received reports of a small line-side fire outside London Waterloo, this has affected the track circuits on three of the lines (a track circuit is the method that our signallers use in order to detect the presence of trains on the track) that have come into contact with a 650 volt cable.

“We strongly advise that you check your journey before you travel. 

“At present we are unable to use platforms one to three at London Waterloo. Trains which usually use these platforms are having to be diverted onto other lines to access different platforms, this is causing a large build up of trains in the area.”

Adding to the woes across the network, a train also developed a fault on the Guildford to Ascot line in the Aldershot area, blocking the line until another train was able to go and assist.

The following service plan will now be implemented: 

*Trains between London Waterloo and Dorking will be cancelled.

*Trains between London Waterloo and Hampton Court will be cancelled.

*Trains between London Waterloo and Chessington South will be cancelled.

*Circular trains to / from London Waterloo via Teddington and Strawberry Hill will be cancelled.

*Trains between London Waterloo and Guildford will call additionally at New Malden and Raynes Park.

*All West of England services will start and terminate at Basingstoke.

*All mainline trains towards London Waterloo will terminate at Clapham Junction.

*There will be short notice alterations and cancellations on all other routes.

For further information, passengers are urged speak to a member of staff or use a help point, and keep checking for updates.

“We are sorry for any delay this may cause to your journey today,” added the rail operator.

Anybody whose journey has been delayed by over 30 minutes could also be entitled to compensation. For more information see https://www.southwesternrailway.com/contact-and-help/refunds-and-compensation/delay-repay .