Rail workers demonstrate over COP26 'betrayal'

RAIL staff are among the people in Edinburgh staging a protest at what the RMT union is describing as a 'betrayal' of the promises made at the COP26 conference in Glasgow three months ago.

The union said today's protest at the office of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon by rail, ferry and energy workers will be the 'start of a concerted campaign'.

The RMT has already criticised reductions affecting ScotRail timetables and ticket offices.

General secretary Mick Lynch said: 'Already the lofty rhetoric about fighting climate change seems a distant memory as we witness a betrayal of ambitions by the SNP/Green government to move towards a greener Scotland.

'Instead of cutting climate change the Government is cutting rail services and ticket offices, threatening the privatisation of our lifeline ferry services and doing far too little to protect the livelihoods of energy workers and the vital service they provide.

'As the country approaches the local government elections in May this protest will be the start of a concerted campaign to persuade politicians to protect these services and jobs which are so vital to our local communities.'

Flood closes Norfolk line

The train service between Norwich and Lowestoft has been suspended after the River Waveney washed away ballast near Haddiscoe. The erosion forced yesterday morning's 07.25 from Norwich to Lowestoft to stop when rails and sleepers subsided under it. Six people were rescued from the train. No one was hurt and the train was not derailed, but the line is expected to remain closed until the end of the week. Greater Anglia is providing replacement buses, Network Rail said the flood had been caused by a very high tide, combined with wind. A spokesman added: 'Engineers have been on site since Sunday morning and are assessing the situation. We expect the line to be closed for at least the next few days but will know more once the train has been removed, which is our first priority.'

Angel Trains buys infrastructure company

Rolling stock leasing company Angel Trains is buying rail and infrastructure services provider Readypower Group, which supplies equipment for track work. It also provides civil engineering, drainage, haulage and various operating services, and Angel has highlighted the opportunities which are offered by Network Rail's programme of network upgrades and electrification. Angel said the deal 'cements' its 'commitment to investing in rail assets'. In spite of the change of ownership Railpower will continue to run as a separate business, under the present management.