Posted 30th January 2023 | No Comments

Suppliers disappointed over lack of plans for Scottish network

Information gap ++ The Railway Industry Association in Scotland has said it is disappointed that the Scottish Government has postponed publishing its plans for funding railway infrastructure north of the border for a second time. Publication of the Control Period 7 High-Level Output Specification and Statement of Funds Available between April 2024 and March 2029 was due in November. The publication date was then moved to 27 January, but this has also been missed. RIA said supply chain companies needed clarity about future spending so that they can plan their businesses.

New station ++ Demolition gangs have moved in at the site of the future Willenhall station in the West Midlands, and work is also under way stablising the old mine workings under the site, which must be done before construction can begin. Three disused buildings which formerly dealt with waste are being removed. The demolition follows the move of the recycling business which formerly occupied the site off Rose Hill. The new station in Walsall is part of the £55 million project to restore passenger trains at Willenhall and Darlaston.

Rugby specials ++ GWR will be running 17 extra trains to Cardiff Central on Saturday for the Six Nations rugby match against Ireland. GWR said it expects to provide a full Saturday timetable following industrial action on Friday, which will mean 38 trains will arrive in total, providing almost 30,000 seats for fans.