Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Newquay trains cancelled because of flooding In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [371536/31231/25] Posted by bradshaw at 19:15, 25th January 2026 |      |
Is this another example of a river scour? There is a bridge just to the south east of Roche station.
| Alfie rides his unicycle to school in Darlington every day In "Buses and other ways to travel" [371535/31511/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:54, 25th January 2026 | |
A video news report, from the BBC:
Alfie rides his unicycle to school every day
Some pupils get to school by walking, some might get a bus, a lift from a parent, some even ride their bike in.
Not Alfie. He prefers to commute on his unicycle.
The 11-year-old picked up a second-hand unicycle from Facebook after trying a single-wheeler on a whim and deciding he wanted to learn it properly.
Over the course of a weekend, in hour-long sessions, he practiced, fell, practiced again and fell some more until he finally got the knack.
"I would just try and ride from a tree to a dog poo bin, and got further and further, made it to my grandparents' house and then I made it to school," explained Alfie.
Some pupils get to school by walking, some might get a bus, a lift from a parent, some even ride their bike in.
Not Alfie. He prefers to commute on his unicycle.
The 11-year-old picked up a second-hand unicycle from Facebook after trying a single-wheeler on a whim and deciding he wanted to learn it properly.
Over the course of a weekend, in hour-long sessions, he practiced, fell, practiced again and fell some more until he finally got the knack.
"I would just try and ride from a tree to a dog poo bin, and got further and further, made it to my grandparents' house and then I made it to school," explained Alfie.
It's a video item, you need to click on the link to view it (1 minute 9 seconds).
| Re: Dawlish - permanent resilience work - ongoing discussions In "London to the West" [371534/22771/12] Posted by grahame at 18:39, 25th January 2026 | |
Thoughts and prayers for Dawlish Station's relatively new lifts today and this evening.
Mark
Mark
Dawlish: Lifts out of order
The lifts will be out of order between platform 2 and the car park from now until further notice at Dawlish station.
Last Updated:25/01/2026 16:02
The lifts will be out of order between platform 2 and the car park from now until further notice at Dawlish station.
Last Updated:25/01/2026 16:02
| Re: Melksham Station - "InfoStation" / loos / snack bar / info point opportunity? In "TransWilts line" [371533/31510/18] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:34, 25th January 2026 Already liked by grahame | |
Over the years, I have used Melksham station a fair few times, as a visitor [Image from here is not available to guests]. On many such occasions, I found the help of a knowledgeable local volunteer (grahame, in my case [Image from here is not available to guests]) to be very useful, in suggesting options if my intended train was delayed or cancelled, for example. The information screens do provide some (fairly limited) factual details, but no guidance as to what options could be available. The help point I found to be of no help whatever, frankly, when I tried to use it.
I saw the cafe and thought that was an excellent facility - but, as grahame says, it was in exactly the right place but unfortunately at exactly the wrong time - during Covid lockdown. As to the possible future reopening of the facility, I think it could really take off: I would certainly use it.
My vote in the above poll has been cast accordingly. [Image from here is not available to guests]
| Re: Newquay trains cancelled because of flooding In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [371532/31231/25] Posted by grahame at 18:26, 25th January 2026 | |
Cancellations to services between Par and Newquay
Due to flooding between Par and Newquay:
Train services running to and from these stations have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
Due to flooding in the Roche area, the line is currently closed.
-
What are we doing about it?
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We are working with Network Rail to be able to return to running our normal timetable as soon as possible, however this will now not be until Tuesday 27th January at the earliest. Road transport will operate in lieu of the train service for the remainder of the day, and has also been confirmed for Monday 26th January.
Due to flooding between Par and Newquay:
Train services running to and from these stations have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
Due to flooding in the Roche area, the line is currently closed.
-
What are we doing about it?
-
We are working with Network Rail to be able to return to running our normal timetable as soon as possible, however this will now not be until Tuesday 27th January at the earliest. Road transport will operate in lieu of the train service for the remainder of the day, and has also been confirmed for Monday 26th January.
| Re: Looe Branch Line - timetables, cancellations, engineering work, closures and incidents In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [371531/569/25] Posted by grahame at 18:24, 25th January 2026 | |
Alterations to services between Liskeard and Looe
Due to flooding between Liskeard and Looe the line is closed.
Train services running to and from these stations have been suspended. Disruption is expected until the end of the day on 28/01/26.
Due to flooding between Liskeard and Looe the line is closed.
Train services running to and from these stations have been suspended. Disruption is expected until the end of the day on 28/01/26.
| Re: Dawlish - permanent resilience work - ongoing discussions In "London to the West" [371530/22771/12] Posted by johnneyw at 17:19, 25th January 2026 | |
Well, reopening of the line through Dawlish may have taken a big knock.
A sinkhole has been discovered on the section between Parsons Tunnel and Teignmouth with possible voiding.
A sinkhole has been discovered on the section between Parsons Tunnel and Teignmouth with possible voiding.
Ouch, that is not good.
It might be this one, reported in the local news:
Gaping hole appears on Teignmouth seafront after Storm Ingrid - Devon Live https://share.google/PdfE1h4nAYaHKSOxc
If so, then it looks like it's not an immediate threat to the line.
Edit: There's pictures of the damage from the seaward side taken at low tide on the "Railways of Devon and Cornwall" Facebook pages.
| Re: Melksham Station - "InfoStation" / loos / snack bar / info point opportunity? In "TransWilts line" [371529/31510/18] Posted by johnneyw at 15:57, 25th January 2026 | |
Not being a resident of the town, or wider locality, the value of my opinion is somewhat limited but surely any thought through project such as this should at the very least be progressed further. Who knows what may grow from it?
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371528/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 15:56, 25th January 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
A good week - how it should be, and here's hoping it can continue like this.
I am delighted that the 07:21 in the mornings has consistently been on time, so (Thingley Junction traffic allowing) will allow a good connection into Bristol.
The late running by a few minutes of the final train of the day is encouraged and expected, as it's scheduled as a 5 minute connection off the express from London and little delays to connect make it work. I was on this train last Tuesday, and a noticeable number of people joined us off the London to Cheltenham Spa express before we set off from Swindon. And there are no onward connections at Trowbridge or Westbury that are compromised by a few minutes late running, so it's AOK on this train.
| Re: Number of police forces in England and Wales to be cut in major shake-up In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [371527/31503/31] Posted by ellendune at 14:22, 25th January 2026 | |
The proposals seem to mirror those proposed in 2005 which were described by the BBC here:
If so it would be between 12 and 18 police forces
East Midlands - Either one East Midlands force; or two forces - one covering Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and another for Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire
Eastern - Either one Eastern force; or two forces in one of two different combinations: Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex plus Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire
OR Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex plus Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire
London - No change proposed - reviews are continuing into the future of the City of London police and British Transport Police in the city
North East - Create one force for the region by merging Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland
North West - Either two forces - one for Lancashire, Cumbria and Merseyside and another for Cheshire and Greater Manchester Police
OR three forces - one for Lancashire and Cumbria, another for Cheshire and Merseyside, and a separate Greater Manchester force
South East - Any of the following options:
Two strategic forces - Kent, Surrey and Sussex plus Thames Valley and Hampshire
Three forces - one for Kent alone, another for Thames Valley and a third for Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire.
Three strategic forces - Kent, Surrey and Sussex; Thames Valley as a standalone force; plus Hampshire as a standalone force
Three strategic forces - Kent and Sussex; Thames Valley as a standalone force; plus Hampshire and Surrey
Four strategic forces - Kent as a standalone strategic force; Thames Valley as a standalone strategic force; Surrey and Sussex; and Hampshire as a standalone strategic force
South West - Either one regional force
OR two forces comprising Devon and Cornwall as a standalone force, alongside one covering Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Dorset
Wales - A national Welsh force merging North Wales, Dyfed-Powys, Gwent and South Wales
West Midlands - Either one West Midlands force
OR two forces - Staffordshire and West Mercia; plus Warwickshire and West Midlands
Yorkshire and Humberside - Either a single regional force
OR two strategic forces - one for West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire; another South Yorkshire and Humberside.
Eastern - Either one Eastern force; or two forces in one of two different combinations: Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex plus Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire
OR Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex plus Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire
London - No change proposed - reviews are continuing into the future of the City of London police and British Transport Police in the city
North East - Create one force for the region by merging Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland
North West - Either two forces - one for Lancashire, Cumbria and Merseyside and another for Cheshire and Greater Manchester Police
OR three forces - one for Lancashire and Cumbria, another for Cheshire and Merseyside, and a separate Greater Manchester force
South East - Any of the following options:
Two strategic forces - Kent, Surrey and Sussex plus Thames Valley and Hampshire
Three forces - one for Kent alone, another for Thames Valley and a third for Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire.
Three strategic forces - Kent, Surrey and Sussex; Thames Valley as a standalone force; plus Hampshire as a standalone force
Three strategic forces - Kent and Sussex; Thames Valley as a standalone force; plus Hampshire and Surrey
Four strategic forces - Kent as a standalone strategic force; Thames Valley as a standalone strategic force; Surrey and Sussex; and Hampshire as a standalone strategic force
South West - Either one regional force
OR two forces comprising Devon and Cornwall as a standalone force, alongside one covering Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Dorset
Wales - A national Welsh force merging North Wales, Dyfed-Powys, Gwent and South Wales
West Midlands - Either one West Midlands force
OR two forces - Staffordshire and West Mercia; plus Warwickshire and West Midlands
Yorkshire and Humberside - Either a single regional force
OR two strategic forces - one for West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire; another South Yorkshire and Humberside.
| Melksham Station - "InfoStation" / loos / snack bar / info point opportunity? In "TransWilts line" [371525/31510/18] Posted by grahame at 12:59, 25th January 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
Now that I have asked the key local players I am re-sharing this post in public. Most of the elephants in the room have been addressed - they are listed in the supporting documents - with only one remaining a a major concern and we are looking at how to mitigate that one. It may be just a matter of timing rather than anything else on that one.
With passenger journey numbers dropping from 75,000 to 18,000 during the "Covid year", and for so many of the remaining journeys being for work for people who could not work from home, the opening of the "Melksham Hub Cafe" could not have come at a worse time! Now, after a pause to regroup and with so much learned, it's time to revisit a volunteer presence to help customers of public transport near the station.
* Passenger numbers are back up to around 65,000 per annum
* Passenger metrics have changed, somewhat away from daily commuting towards more occasional use that requires more support
* The trains have a reputation for unreliabiiity and an informed volunteer at the station can do miracles - as we have illustrated from time to time on an adhoc basis
* The Neighbourhood Plan, which passed referendum in July 2025, includes what we are calling the "InfoStation" as part of the longer term area plan - until 2038. Town and Parish councils fully on board.
* Our distribution exercise for public transport information and a number of other local indicators have confirmed that we'll have effective volunteers to staff the place with a simple model that brings them social benefit as well as the customers.
* Some elements of the business case model that had to be included in the "Melksham Hub" are no longer there, and things like many element of the refit remain and aren't another expense.
* CCIF offers an opportunity to bid for seeding costs
I have been working with others in Melksham (under the auspices of MTUG) to get all our ducks in a row and check that all the elephants in the room are identified and dealt with. Looking good for a CCIF bid, and we have let wider potential partners know too. Just for the moment, this is in "Frequent Posters" - a public version once some things are clarified and initial stakeholder inputs received should be published by the end of this month.
Documents for members:
Draft proposal (MTUG)
Report of local "intelligence" on public transport (MTUG)
CCIF guidance (GWR)
* Passenger numbers are back up to around 65,000 per annum
* Passenger metrics have changed, somewhat away from daily commuting towards more occasional use that requires more support
* The trains have a reputation for unreliabiiity and an informed volunteer at the station can do miracles - as we have illustrated from time to time on an adhoc basis
* The Neighbourhood Plan, which passed referendum in July 2025, includes what we are calling the "InfoStation" as part of the longer term area plan - until 2038. Town and Parish councils fully on board.
* Our distribution exercise for public transport information and a number of other local indicators have confirmed that we'll have effective volunteers to staff the place with a simple model that brings them social benefit as well as the customers.
* Some elements of the business case model that had to be included in the "Melksham Hub" are no longer there, and things like many element of the refit remain and aren't another expense.
* CCIF offers an opportunity to bid for seeding costs
I have been working with others in Melksham (under the auspices of MTUG) to get all our ducks in a row and check that all the elephants in the room are identified and dealt with. Looking good for a CCIF bid, and we have let wider potential partners know too. Just for the moment, this is in "Frequent Posters" - a public version once some things are clarified and initial stakeholder inputs received should be published by the end of this month.
Documents for members:
Draft proposal (MTUG)
Report of local "intelligence" on public transport (MTUG)
CCIF guidance (GWR)
| Re: Dawlish - permanent resilience work - ongoing discussions In "London to the West" [371524/22771/12] Posted by Mark A at 12:59, 25th January 2026 | |
The BGS borehole map has a couple of GWR-origin boreholes to be found inland from Dawlish. It also has several for the proposed second route to Looe.
Mark
https://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/geoindex/home.html?layer=BGSBoreholes
| Re: Dawlish - permanent resilience work - ongoing discussions In "London to the West" [371523/22771/12] Posted by John D at 11:28, 25th January 2026 Already liked by Mark A, bradshaw | |
The line is so low lying and close to the sea it is always going to be vulnerable to storms.
There was an inland deviation route, considered, which got Parliamentary approval (see attached link of Great Western Railway (Additional powers) Act 1936. My understanding is work actually started on the construction in 1939, but the outbreak of war halted it, and never recommenced.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Geo5and1Edw8/26/101/contents/enacted.
The 1936 also has the powers for alternative line to Looe to avoid the difficult to work (and prone to flooding) existing line
Descriptions of the routes in the Act and appendices, although deposited plans must be separate
| Re: Interstation connecting tunnels In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371522/31509/51] Posted by Mark A at 11:24, 25th January 2026 | |
**snip**
Other inter-station walking connection from the existing via the sublime to the ridiculous ...
**snip list**
Can totally not recommend Forsinard to Kinbrace, especially on the spur of the moment and especially not with a rucksack, and also cradling an english banjo.
[Image from here is not available to guests]
| Re: Junction Railwayana - Collectors' fairs 2026 In "Railway History and related topics" [371521/30999/55] Posted by John D at 11:12, 25th January 2026 | |
I don't have a facebook account, although what Grahame has thoughtfully copied, gives dates, does it say the opening hours ?
| Re: Dawlish - permanent resilience work - ongoing discussions In "London to the West" [371520/22771/12] Posted by IndustryInsider at 10:50, 25th January 2026 Already liked by Mark A, johnneyw, Timmer, eightonedee, Chris from Nailsea | |
The line is open to long distance trains, with all services using the reversible Up line between Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth. No rail services calling at stations between Exeter St David's and Newton Abbot - these are being served by rail replacement buses.
Impressive given the battering it took.
| Re: Dawlish - permanent resilience work - ongoing discussions In "London to the West" [371519/22771/12] Posted by PhilWakely at 10:36, 25th January 2026 | |
Pushed out till 1600 tomorrow
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot
Due to severe weather earlier between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot:
Train services running through these stations will be cancelled or suspended. Disruption is expected until 16:00 25/01.
......wouldn't be surprised if there are further extensions?
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot
Due to severe weather earlier between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot:
Train services running through these stations will be cancelled or suspended. Disruption is expected until 16:00 25/01.
......wouldn't be surprised if there are further extensions?
The line is open to long distance trains, with all services using the reversible Up line between Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth. No rail services calling at stations between Exeter St David's and Newton Abbot - these are being served by rail replacement buses.
A points failure at the west end of St David's station did not help between 08:00 and 10:15!
| Re: Looe Branch Line - timetables, cancellations, engineering work, closures and incidents In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [371518/569/25] Posted by grahame at 09:54, 25th January 2026 | |
In light of the torrential rain over the last 24 hours, and similar due for the next 48 hours, this doesn't bode well for re-opening anytime soon!
Now "end of the day" on 26/1/26
Will it ever reopen? If this happens more frequently will it just become too expensive to keep open?
We should perhaps be grateful this didn't happen between the 1950s and the 1980s, as it probably would have been an excuse to close the branch.
Sounds like it needs some permanent resilience!
I would agree th sentiment .... but I have not seen any report of just how much remedial work is needed. Is it a big job, or just a slow job? I did note it took a long time even to have a specialist inspection.
There have been lines which have closed prematurely through catastrophic failure such as the old Caledonian route to Oban via Killin Junction (as far as Crainlarich) though that was already planned to go anyway. Overseas, the line to Roscoff was still operational when it washed out and although I think it may remain (in theory) on the books of the French Railway network, prospects do not look good.
| Re: Interstation connecting tunnels In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371517/31509/51] Posted by Oxonhutch at 09:51, 25th January 2026 Already liked by grahame | |
Euston mainline to Euston Square underground would be very doable and quite useful - especially in the rain dragging a suitcase.
| Re: Junction Railwayana - Collectors' fairs 2026 In "Railway History and related topics" [371516/30999/55] Posted by grahame at 08:58, 25th January 2026 | |
Update from the organiser (via Facebook)
Yesterday we visited the BAWA centre to finalise arrangements for this event. As it was sunny we took the opportunity to take some photos so everyone can see what this place looks like . We now have 2 large rooms to house this event. The main Ballroom and the Concord suite. Both are spacious modern rooms. The toilet facilities are second to none and and they are without doubt the largest and cleanest weve ever seen. We have a very fine catering team who will be providing Teas, Coffees, bacon and sausage rolls and baps plus cakes, soft drinks and confectionary. A comfortable sit down area with tables is also provided. This is our first event so we want to make this an enjoyable experience for all. Please support this event as this is the first true railwayana and transport fair ever in the South West. Its success is dependant on YOU ! This venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users with gentle ramps at the main entrance. Signs will be provided at the carpark to where main entrance is. We look forward to welcoming you all.
Traders pitches are selling well but as weve not hire a second hall we still have some spaces.
Traders pitches are selling well but as weve not hire a second hall we still have some spaces.
| Interstation connecting tunnels In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371515/31509/51] Posted by grahame at 08:53, 25th January 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Want to transfer between stations - short walks, avoiding the streets ...
From France Hotel Guide
Paris is building a short but important underground pedestrian tunnel to make it much easier for travellers to move between Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord — two of the city’s busiest railway stations.
The new tunnel, about 56 metres long and more than 5 metres wide, is being dug beneath rue La Fayette in the 10th arrondissement. It will connect the ground-level hall at 50, rue d’Alsace near Gare de l’Est with the underground RER Magenta station, which itself is linked to Gare du Nord.
Today, passengers who want to switch between the two stations have to walk about 500 metres at street level, often against busy city traffic, which takes 10 to 15 minutes. The new tunnel will let people make the same connection in just a few minutes, deep underground and without crossing streets.
Work began in September 2024 and involves careful construction under a dense urban area. Because of tunnels, utilities and building foundations above, machines and traditional excavation methods are being used rather than a large tunnel boring machine.
The tunnel is part of wider improvements to the northern Paris rail hub, where daily traffic can reach around 800,000 travellers, including connections to metro, RER, regional trains and future services like the CDG Express airport train.
The pedestrian tunnel is scheduled to open in early 2027, possibly around the same time as the CDG Express line begins service, offering a faster, safer, and more comfortable connection between these two major stations
The new tunnel, about 56 metres long and more than 5 metres wide, is being dug beneath rue La Fayette in the 10th arrondissement. It will connect the ground-level hall at 50, rue d’Alsace near Gare de l’Est with the underground RER Magenta station, which itself is linked to Gare du Nord.
Today, passengers who want to switch between the two stations have to walk about 500 metres at street level, often against busy city traffic, which takes 10 to 15 minutes. The new tunnel will let people make the same connection in just a few minutes, deep underground and without crossing streets.
Work began in September 2024 and involves careful construction under a dense urban area. Because of tunnels, utilities and building foundations above, machines and traditional excavation methods are being used rather than a large tunnel boring machine.
The tunnel is part of wider improvements to the northern Paris rail hub, where daily traffic can reach around 800,000 travellers, including connections to metro, RER, regional trains and future services like the CDG Express airport train.
The pedestrian tunnel is scheduled to open in early 2027, possibly around the same time as the CDG Express line begins service, offering a faster, safer, and more comfortable connection between these two major stations
Five years ago from the Londonist - what has become of ideas for a pedestrian tunnel too?
Euston St Pancras. It sounds like a station from some iffy bootleg tube map. But it's going to be a real thing. Hopefully.
While the fiasco that is Crossrail continues to drag its purple heels, plans are already simmering away for Crossrail 2 — a network that would link Surrey to Hertfordshire, via London. And one of the central London stations would be Euston St Pancras.
While the fiasco that is Crossrail continues to drag its purple heels, plans are already simmering away for Crossrail 2 — a network that would link Surrey to Hertfordshire, via London. And one of the central London stations would be Euston St Pancras.
Other inter-station walking connection from the existing via the sublime to the ridiculous ...
Monument and Bank
Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street
Manchester Picadilly and Manchester Exchange
Tyndrum Upper and Tyndrum Lower.
St Budeaux Vicroria Road and St Budeaux Ferry Road
Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Curzon Street
Catford and Catford Bridge
| Re: Dawlish - permanent resilience work - ongoing discussions In "London to the West" [371514/22771/12] Posted by GBM at 08:12, 25th January 2026 | |
More torrential rain for Cornwall and Devon tomorrow and Tuesday, also into next week.
Less windy, that said.
| Re: Pewsey Vale Railway Society - dates In "Diary - what's happening when?" [371513/16701/34] Posted by grahame at 07:29, 25th January 2026 | |
Like the Coffee Shop, still around at https://www.facebook.com/pewseyvalerailwaysociety/ ... still difficult to get home afterwards without a car.
2026 PROGRAMME
13th Jan 14.45 AGM & Railway Quiz
10th Feb 14.45 S&D Family on the Line
10th March 14.45 The Great Central Railway
14th April 19.30 The Rail Accident Investigation Branch
12th May 19.30 A Weybridge Lineman
9th June 19.30 An Evening with photographer Jack Boskett
14th July 19.30 The Devon Belle
11th Aug 19.30 The London Underground" & Photo Competition
8th Sept 19.30 Chris Milner, travel writer
13th Oct 19.30 Great Essex Railway Journeys
10th Nov 14.45 The Vivarais Railway
8th Dec 14.45 Swindon's Top Link
| Re: Number of police forces in England and Wales to be cut in major shake-up In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [371512/31503/31] Posted by Electric train at 07:12, 25th January 2026 | |
I would also understand the case for Surrey, Sussex and Kent Constabularies to be merged. They all cover the south-east of England, with similar issues of immigrants (legal or illegal), drug smuggling, customs and many other interactions with Europe.
There you go: I've just saved the country another two Chief Constables' salaries and accumulating pension entitlements. [Image from here is not available to guests]
There you go: I've just saved the country another two Chief Constables' salaries and accumulating pension entitlements. [Image from here is not available to guests]
The restructuring as I understand it from the media reports is being driven by the current Chief Constables and their senior teams, the time scales of the restructuring mean that the current Chief Constables will have retired.
I do wonder if the reason for abolition of the Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) is they maybe seen as blockers to the restructuring
Well, the press seem to have already done the job for her, so there's no need for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to make any effort on Monday. [Image from here is not available to guests]
From the BBC:
From the BBC:
'British FBI' to take over terror and fraud probes in reforms to police
A new national police force is being created to take over counter-terror, fraud, and criminal gang investigations.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new National Police Service (NPS), described as a "British FBI", would deploy "world class talent and state of the art technology to track down and catch dangerous criminals".
It will bring the work of existing agencies such as the National Crime Agency and regional organised crime units under the same organisation, buying new technology such as facial recognition on behalf of all forces.
Mahmood said policing was stuck "in a different century" and the new body will form part of a series of police reforms she will unveil on Monday.
The NPS will cover England and Wales but be able to operate in the wider UK, setting standards and training. It will be led by a national police commissioner who will become the most senior police chief in the country.
The Home Office said local police officers have been "burdened" with tackling major crimes without adequate training, leaving them unable to address everyday offences like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. In the past week, the home secretary has announced a number of sweeping changes to policing, having described the current structures as "irrational".
Counter terror policing, led by the Metropolitan Police, the National Air Service run by West Yorkshire Police, and National Roads Policing will also all be brought under the new organisation.
Intelligence and resources will be shared across different forces in stages to ensure the public receive the same level of security "no matter where they live", the Home Office said in a statement. While the government claims facial recognition has led to a rapid reduction in crime - reportedly leading to 1,700 arrests in the past two years - campaigners have raised concerns over issues with bias and privacy.
The Home Office says it will also look to hire new talent outside of the force for leadership roles.
Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Crime Agency, backed the new national force and said "the overall policing system is out of date. Crime has changed, technology has changed, and how we respond needs to change". He added: "These are threats that affect us all locally, but need a national and international response."
Mahmood has previously said the current policing structure is "irrational", announcing on Thursday that she intends to drastically cut police forces down from 43 to make way for 12 "mega" forces. And on Friday, the government announced details of a licence scheme for police officers, and increased powers for ministers to intervene where police and fire chiefs are deemed to be failing.
The plans have drawn mixed reaction from senior figures in policing, with the Police Federation warning that "fewer forces doesn't guarantee more or better policing for communities".
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) also warned that the creation of regional forces would be expensive, time-consuming and risks separating police forces from their communities.
In November, ministers announced plans to scrap police and crime commissioners in 2028 to save at least £100m and help fund neighbourhood policing.
A new national police force is being created to take over counter-terror, fraud, and criminal gang investigations.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new National Police Service (NPS), described as a "British FBI", would deploy "world class talent and state of the art technology to track down and catch dangerous criminals".
It will bring the work of existing agencies such as the National Crime Agency and regional organised crime units under the same organisation, buying new technology such as facial recognition on behalf of all forces.
Mahmood said policing was stuck "in a different century" and the new body will form part of a series of police reforms she will unveil on Monday.
The NPS will cover England and Wales but be able to operate in the wider UK, setting standards and training. It will be led by a national police commissioner who will become the most senior police chief in the country.
The Home Office said local police officers have been "burdened" with tackling major crimes without adequate training, leaving them unable to address everyday offences like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. In the past week, the home secretary has announced a number of sweeping changes to policing, having described the current structures as "irrational".
Counter terror policing, led by the Metropolitan Police, the National Air Service run by West Yorkshire Police, and National Roads Policing will also all be brought under the new organisation.
Intelligence and resources will be shared across different forces in stages to ensure the public receive the same level of security "no matter where they live", the Home Office said in a statement. While the government claims facial recognition has led to a rapid reduction in crime - reportedly leading to 1,700 arrests in the past two years - campaigners have raised concerns over issues with bias and privacy.
The Home Office says it will also look to hire new talent outside of the force for leadership roles.
Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Crime Agency, backed the new national force and said "the overall policing system is out of date. Crime has changed, technology has changed, and how we respond needs to change". He added: "These are threats that affect us all locally, but need a national and international response."
Mahmood has previously said the current policing structure is "irrational", announcing on Thursday that she intends to drastically cut police forces down from 43 to make way for 12 "mega" forces. And on Friday, the government announced details of a licence scheme for police officers, and increased powers for ministers to intervene where police and fire chiefs are deemed to be failing.
The plans have drawn mixed reaction from senior figures in policing, with the Police Federation warning that "fewer forces doesn't guarantee more or better policing for communities".
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) also warned that the creation of regional forces would be expensive, time-consuming and risks separating police forces from their communities.
In November, ministers announced plans to scrap police and crime commissioners in 2028 to save at least £100m and help fund neighbourhood policing.
The formation of a National Force is again something senior Police Chiefs have been wanting for a long time, whilst petty crime like burglaries, shoplift, anti social-behaviour etc are an issue the senior Police Chiefs see organised crime, terrorism as far large problem that the current policing structure struggles to deal with effectively and efficiently with
| Re: Number of police forces in England and Wales to be cut in major shake-up In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [371510/31503/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:21, 24th January 2026 | |
Well, the press seem to have already done the job for her, so there's no need for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to make any effort on Monday. [Image from here is not available to guests]
From the BBC:
'British FBI' to take over terror and fraud probes in reforms to police
A new national police force is being created to take over counter-terror, fraud, and criminal gang investigations.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new National Police Service (NPS), described as a "British FBI", would deploy "world class talent and state of the art technology to track down and catch dangerous criminals".
It will bring the work of existing agencies such as the National Crime Agency and regional organised crime units under the same organisation, buying new technology such as facial recognition on behalf of all forces.
Mahmood said policing was stuck "in a different century" and the new body will form part of a series of police reforms she will unveil on Monday.
The NPS will cover England and Wales but be able to operate in the wider UK, setting standards and training. It will be led by a national police commissioner who will become the most senior police chief in the country.
The Home Office said local police officers have been "burdened" with tackling major crimes without adequate training, leaving them unable to address everyday offences like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. In the past week, the home secretary has announced a number of sweeping changes to policing, having described the current structures as "irrational".
Counter terror policing, led by the Metropolitan Police, the National Air Service run by West Yorkshire Police, and National Roads Policing will also all be brought under the new organisation.
Intelligence and resources will be shared across different forces in stages to ensure the public receive the same level of security "no matter where they live", the Home Office said in a statement. While the government claims facial recognition has led to a rapid reduction in crime - reportedly leading to 1,700 arrests in the past two years - campaigners have raised concerns over issues with bias and privacy.
The Home Office says it will also look to hire new talent outside of the force for leadership roles.
Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Crime Agency, backed the new national force and said "the overall policing system is out of date. Crime has changed, technology has changed, and how we respond needs to change". He added: "These are threats that affect us all locally, but need a national and international response."
Mahmood has previously said the current policing structure is "irrational", announcing on Thursday that she intends to drastically cut police forces down from 43 to make way for 12 "mega" forces. And on Friday, the government announced details of a licence scheme for police officers, and increased powers for ministers to intervene where police and fire chiefs are deemed to be failing.
The plans have drawn mixed reaction from senior figures in policing, with the Police Federation warning that "fewer forces doesn't guarantee more or better policing for communities".
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) also warned that the creation of regional forces would be expensive, time-consuming and risks separating police forces from their communities.
In November, ministers announced plans to scrap police and crime commissioners in 2028 to save at least £100m and help fund neighbourhood policing.
A new national police force is being created to take over counter-terror, fraud, and criminal gang investigations.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new National Police Service (NPS), described as a "British FBI", would deploy "world class talent and state of the art technology to track down and catch dangerous criminals".
It will bring the work of existing agencies such as the National Crime Agency and regional organised crime units under the same organisation, buying new technology such as facial recognition on behalf of all forces.
Mahmood said policing was stuck "in a different century" and the new body will form part of a series of police reforms she will unveil on Monday.
The NPS will cover England and Wales but be able to operate in the wider UK, setting standards and training. It will be led by a national police commissioner who will become the most senior police chief in the country.
The Home Office said local police officers have been "burdened" with tackling major crimes without adequate training, leaving them unable to address everyday offences like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. In the past week, the home secretary has announced a number of sweeping changes to policing, having described the current structures as "irrational".
Counter terror policing, led by the Metropolitan Police, the National Air Service run by West Yorkshire Police, and National Roads Policing will also all be brought under the new organisation.
Intelligence and resources will be shared across different forces in stages to ensure the public receive the same level of security "no matter where they live", the Home Office said in a statement. While the government claims facial recognition has led to a rapid reduction in crime - reportedly leading to 1,700 arrests in the past two years - campaigners have raised concerns over issues with bias and privacy.
The Home Office says it will also look to hire new talent outside of the force for leadership roles.
Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Crime Agency, backed the new national force and said "the overall policing system is out of date. Crime has changed, technology has changed, and how we respond needs to change". He added: "These are threats that affect us all locally, but need a national and international response."
Mahmood has previously said the current policing structure is "irrational", announcing on Thursday that she intends to drastically cut police forces down from 43 to make way for 12 "mega" forces. And on Friday, the government announced details of a licence scheme for police officers, and increased powers for ministers to intervene where police and fire chiefs are deemed to be failing.
The plans have drawn mixed reaction from senior figures in policing, with the Police Federation warning that "fewer forces doesn't guarantee more or better policing for communities".
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) also warned that the creation of regional forces would be expensive, time-consuming and risks separating police forces from their communities.
In November, ministers announced plans to scrap police and crime commissioners in 2028 to save at least £100m and help fund neighbourhood policing.
| Re: Box Tunnel, east of Bath, on the Great Western Main Line - moved topics, merged posts In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [371507/978/10] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:03, 24th January 2026 | |
I have taken something of a liberty in moving grahame's post above and merging it here with several others - all of them relating specifically to Box Tunnel.
CfN. [Image from here is not available to guests]
