03/02/2012

Driver Injured After Train Derails On West Coast

Rail passengers on the West Coast line are experiencing major delays after a freight train derailed on the West Coast main line at Bletchley.

No services are now running between London Euston and Milton Keynes. There are also major delays for rail passengers with London Midland, Southern and Virgin rail services all affected.

The Freightliner engine, being operated on behalf of Virgin trains, derailed at Bletchley south junction shortly before 2.30am.

The driver was the only person on board and is being treated for injuries.

The news comes just as Networrk Rail announce the final tranche of a £100m fund to improve stations in England and Wales was been announced.

Encouraging people to travel by train, Rail Minister Norman Baker said: “Rail travel is not only about the time spent sitting on a train. Pleasant, attractive railway stations with the right facilities encourage more people to travel by rail.

“This coalition government’s Station Improvement Fund has so far seen £80m awarded to 38 stations and we are now making available another £20m to renovate and rebuild even more stations left to us by our Victorian forefathers.”

(DW/GK)

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