THURSDAY BRIEFING: Rail operators welcome lifting of Covid restrictions ++ Former transport secretary set to chair TfN ++

It has been revealed that a new station is being proposed at Alrewas between Lichfield Trent Valley high level and Wichnor Junction, which is on the line linking Tamworth and Burton-on-Trent. A new Alrewas station would serve the National Memorial Arboretum, which is visited by more than 300,000 people a year and stages 250 events, including services of remembrance. It includes a Railway Industry Memorial, which was unveiled in May 2012. Talks have taken place about the proposal between the MP for Lichfield Michael Fabricant and new rail minister Wendy Morton.