Rail unions face "massive pressure" to keep services going
RMT union say they face "massive pressure" to keep services running - in the face of cutbacks.
"This shocking new picture highlights the reality on Britain's railways today - staffing, inspections and track renewals have been cut in the dash to save money and there is massive pressure right from the top of Government to keep services running at all costs regardless of the potential human cost. If we don’t reverse the cuts on Britain’s railways another major tragedy is inevitable.
"RMT has made it crystal clear that we want all cuts to staffing, maintenance and renewals reversed and all track works brought back in house rather than subbed-out to contractors. The current contractor staff should be transferred over to direct Network Rail employment. We also want the pressure from the centre to run services at any costs lifted to enable safety-critical works to take place immediately."
RMT say a crack near Selby, due to staffing cuts, has crumbled to a much bigger gap.
RMT claim there is massive pressure from the Government to keep the East Coast Mainline running, as they look to re-privatise the service. They say there are also demands on Network Rail from the budget-holder, the Office of Rail Regulation, to cut back on rail renewals work.
Crack in East Coast Mainline which a union say could cause an accident Credit: RMT
Rail union RMT say there could be "another Hatfield" after releasing a picture of a six inch gap in the East Coast Mainline track near Selby.
An investigation's been launched by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch after the picture was taken last Friday at Hambleton South junction, and the union says it is due to staffing cuts.
An investigation found the Hatfield crash - which killed four people when a train travelling from London to Leeds derailed in 2000- was caused by "critical cracks" on the track.
Five people have been arrested following a report of manhole covers being stolen in the village of Cliffe near Selby.
North Yorkshire Police received a call from someone who witnessed the manhole covers being loaded into a van at around lunchtime yesterday.
They immediately called the police who stopped two vans driving out of the village.
They arrested the five occupants of the vehicles on suspicion of theft. They include three men aged 25, 34 and 55, and two women aged 28 and 54. They are from the Goole area and have been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Information from members of the public is crucial to the police and this incident is a clear demonstration of how it helps us.
My thanks go to the person who reported this information, enabling us to make the swift arrests. My advice to everyone is never hesitate to report anything suspicious to us, no matter how insignificant you think it is, always trust your instincts as you could help prevent or detect a crime.
– Inspector Richard Abbott, Selby Safer Neighbourhood Team
A person has been hit by a train between Leeds and Selby.
As a result there is disruption on First Transpennine Express services and all lines are affected. Trains may be held or cancelled. At this stage it is not known when normal services will resume.
Campaigners lose battle over North Yorkshire wind farm
Windfarm given go ahead Credit: Calendar
Campaigners who fought to stop the construction of wind turbines on so-called 'megawatt valley' near Selby have lost their battle. Planning officials have given the go ahead for five turbines to be built at Cleek Hall.
