On the evening of Monday 8 February a section of the new roof at London Bridge Station had been blown on to the line preventing train services running through the station to and from Waterloo East and Charing Cross. Getting home became a trial.

I left my office with the intention of travelling home on the 16.43 departure from Waterloo East. As I made my way to the station via the route through Southwark Underground Station a lady advised me that there were no train departures from Waterloo East or Charing Cross due to a problem.

I turned around and made my way to Blackfriars Station. Here the 16.40 to Sevenoaks was shown as delayed on the information screen and the 17.10 departure as being on time. I spoke to a member of platform staff and asked how long the 16.40 was delayed. I did not get a sensible answer from him and decided to look for another member of staff. I found one at the North end of the platform barriers and I asked the same question. “Don’t know” was the reply. So much for customer service and the iPads issued to station staff!

I decided to make my way to Cannon Street. On arrival there I expected the station concourse to be very crowded so I took the lift from Underground station to platform level to bypass the steps up to the platform level, and many people waiting around for information. Cannon Street Station was very crowded because the majority of people who would have used Charing Cross and Waterloo East Stations were arriving there trying to catch a train homewards. As usual passenger information at Cannon Street Station was up to the high standard maintained there. The 17.02 departure to Hastings was expected, albeit late, and was currently outside of London Bridge on its inward journey. Fortunately, when the platform for this service was announced,

I was able to position myself in a suitable place where a door was when the train arrived. I was lucky and got a seat whilst all around me Southeastern was going for the new world record for how many people can you squeeze in to a class 375 train!

I eventually arrived Bat & Ball one hour and one minute late. Yet another Delay Repay claim submitted!