South Western Railway: Swan near Kingston causes disruption for rush hour commuters

A swan is causing major disruption on a major commuter line on Wednesday morning with several trains being cancelled or delayed.

South Western Railway said the swan was found on the railway between Kingston and Hampton Wick, with disruption expected till 9.30am.

In a message to passengers, the train operating company wrote: “Following a swan on the railway between Kingston and Hampton Wick all lines have now reopened.

“Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 9.30am”

The delays were caused because trains had to run slower due to the swan.

One commuter said: “Swans on my train line this morning. Buses and other trains cancelled. All going very very well.

“Also ‘Swans on my Train Line’ is the title of my second album. It’s moody.”

Another said: “Decided to get the train to work today as last time I was in it took 2.5 hours to drive 6 miles. Today the train is being held up due to ‘a swan on the line.”

Another replied with a line from the comedy film Hot Fuzz, asking the train company: “No luck catching them swans then?”

Passengers were also being warned of wet and windy conditions throughout Wednesday, although the train company said it did not expect the weather to cause speed restrictions.