Letter: Is Railway Work Affecting St Catherine’s Spring?

Published on: 23 Jun, 2020
Updated on: 23 Jun, 2020

St Catherine’s Spring usually has clear water that some drink.

From Alex Clifford

Photos I took of the natural spring at St Catherine’s this morning June 23 clearly showing the effects of the drilling on the hill, part of the railway cutting stabilisation work at the south end of the tunnel.

Apart from the sand that is in the water the flow level also appears that it may be lower than normal.

Have the Network Rail contractors any strategy in place to prevent any underground waterways being contaminated with liquid cement “grouting” during reinforcement works on the hill?

This stream is frequently used by walkers on the North Downs Way to refill water bottles and it also flows into the Wey. Is water quality being monitored during the drilling work?

I note that the stream was running clear again later in the day.

Editor’s note: Network Rail has been invited to comment.