A DERAILED freight train in Gravesend caused travel disruption on the Charing Cross to Gillingham service at the weekend.

The train derailed last Saturday just after 1am, closing the railway line at Gravesend until Monday and disrupting hundreds of weekend passengers' journeys.

According to a spokesman from train owners England Wales Scotland (EWS), the train was travelling at a low speed but derailed "primarily due to the condition of the tracks".

A half-hourly bus service ran from Strood to Gillingham throughout the weekend, as did a replacement minibus service from Strood to Highman and Gravesend.

A Connex spokesman said normal services had resumed by Monday morning.

November 20, 2001 14:03