February 20, 2014 at 12:09 am
Although not hitting so many headlines nationally Purley,Kenley and Whyteleafe have been suffering flooding caused by the raised levels of the River Bourne.
The huge efforts of the emergency services and army have kept a bad situation from becoming a total disaster, they are literally working 24/7 pumping water and several local areas have been used as temporary “ponds” to help lower the levels.
I decided to take some photos as I feel the efforts of the services involved need to be seen and also I personally still cannot fully believe this is happening in an area I know so well and never saw as a flood risk. it’s a mad world we are in at the moment.
Firstly Purley pedestrian underpass used

Purley Underpass AKA Purley pond by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr

Purley underpass drowning mosiac by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr

Goodbyeee Purley underpass flooded by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
Purley Oaks recycling centre where a balancing pond is being controled.

Fire Brigade at Purley Oaks recycling centre by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
Kenley where a large water treatment plant is being protected from flooding

The kind of ironically named Waterbourne way Kenley by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr

Flood relief effort outside Kenley Water treatment plant by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
Whyteleafe
Whyteleafe flooding 17-02-14 by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr

Whyteleafe flooding 17-02-14 by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr

Whyteleafe flooding 17-02-14 by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr

Whyteleafe flooding 17-02-14 by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
Lastly the track between Whyteleafe and Kenley( Note train services still running slowly and safely)

Track between Kenley and Whyteleafe by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
I have also just heard that West Wickham and Coulsdon also suffering flooding tonight, I feel for anyone suffering in such situations and hope things improve soon.
Thanks for looking please spread the word of how much effort the emergency services are doing to prevent a worse situation.
By: duxfordhawk - 20th February 2014 at 11:45
I would of said honesty the third rail is not good in flood conditions, however train services are still running safely albeit at reduced speeds on waterlogged tracks.
By: longshot - 20th February 2014 at 00:41
How do the 3rd rail electric trains cope with the flooding?