Two EU referendum polling stations in Kingston were forced to shut today following torrential rain and flooding across south west London.
The Devon Way Centre and the Shiraz Mirza Community Centre were surrounded by deep water with Richmond Council finding new locations for an estimated 4,149 voters.
Voters for Devon Way, near Chessington World of Adventures should use the Hook Centre on Hook Road while Shiraz Mirza voters should use Malden Manor Children’s Centre in Lawrence Avenue.
In a statement Richmond Council, said: “There has been heavy rainfall overnight resulting in flooding at a number of polling places, including Devon Way in Chessington which has had to close.”
A Kingston Council spokesperson added: “Heavy rainfall over night has resulted in the closure of two polling stations. We had plans in place to minimise the disruption and alternative polling stations have opened nearby.”
The London Fire Brigade has taken more than 550 weather-related emergency calls with intense rain overnight causing travel disruption.
More rain is expected in time for this evening’s rush hour.
Feature image courtesy of @Shymen33 via Twitter, with thanks
