The Go-op Co-operative, which secured regulatory approval a year ago to run the first rail service owned by passengers, has warned that the benefits to several West Country towns are in jeopardy because of ‘a hostile investment environment’ which is partly caused by wider railway reforms, including the creation of Great British Railways. It has also claimed that an impression of ‘government hostility’ to future open access is affecting its chances, although it has gained the support of the DfT.

The government will announce today that some 15 million pounds from private sources is to be invested in the Barking Eurohub, so that regular freight trains can start running through the Channel Tunnel again. Network Rail and its new property development company Platform4 will take long-term control of the Barking site, which is currently owned by Legal & General.