Landslip causes train disruptions in Haywards Heath, Brighton, London

Passengers travelling through Haywards Heath were delayed after a “line block” inspection was carried out by Network Rail.

According to Southern Rail, a safety inspection of the track began at 4.30pm on Sunday and was due to finish by 5.25pm.

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Delays of up to 30 minutes were expected during that time.

However, the line reopened at 6.45am on Monday.

Network Rail Kent and Sussex said a first responder made the decision to move all trains to one of two tracks after discovering a landslip.

“We will be watching the slip to make sure it’s still safe to run and over the next 24 hours we will get specialists to site to plan how we fix the problem and what sort of impact it will have on passengers,” a spokesman said.

Later, the spokesman added: “We're not going to be able to fix it, but we can hope to shore it up.

“Our team will scoop up as much of the debris as we can, and then crane one-ton bags of stone in place as a temporary wall.”

Landslip near Haywards Heath

During the closure, passengers were able were able to use tickets on Metrobus services between Brighton, Preston Park, Hassocks, Wivelsfield, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and Three Bridges/Crawley.

All services through the Haywards Heath area experienced delays, including the Ore to/from London Bridge service, Brighton to/from London Bridge service and Littlehampton to/from London Bridge service.

Speed restrictions were in place throughout.

At 5.38am on Monday, Southern Rail said: “We have some rail replacement buses running between Brighton and Three Bridges.

“Please check journey planners before you travel, and allow for extra time.”