Path next to Tramlink

Image: © Marathon Taken: 16 May 2012

The Wimbledon to West Croydon Line was opened in 1855 and closed in 1997 so that the route could be taken over by Tramlink. The original line between Wimbledon and West Croydon just ran as a shuttle between those two stations and although it was electrified in 1930, trains on the line never continued elsewhere. In its latter years trains ran about every 45 minutes. Some sections were single line and this continued when Tramlink took over the route. Waddon Marsh Halt was a station on the old Wimbledon to West Croydon line but was located several hundred yards to the north of the present Waddon Marsh Tramlink Halt, just this side of the bridge in the distance carrying Purley Way. After closure in 1997 it was completely demolished - see http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/w/waddon_marsh/index.shtml Waddon Marsh Tramlink Stop is just behind the photographer. The chimneys are a well-known local landmark and belong to the former Waddon Marsh Power Station, also known as Croydon 'B' Power Station. This was built in the late 1940s and opened in 1950. It shut down in 1984, was demolished in 1991 and an IKEA store was opened on its site. Its immediate surroundings were developed as the Valley Park Retail and Leisure Complex. The large chimneys of the power station were retained as a landmark.

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