Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [373955/31163/26] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:41, 5th April 2026 |      |
Person died, sadly: see https://www.london-now.co.uk/news/25996954.paddington-gwr-delays---person-hit-train-dies-swindon/
| Re: Singleton, South Downs - the railway station that 'burned brightly' but briefly In "Railway History and related topics" [373954/31843/55] Posted by Mark A at 22:38, 5th April 2026 | |
"Singleton Station Heritage Statement"
Mark
https://docs.planning.org.uk/20240514/72/SCK12RTUG7V00/i21f25mga4h2ca3v.pdf
| Lydbrook Bridge over the River Wye to remain closed as temporary fix too costly In "Railway History and related topics" [373953/31844/55] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:37, 5th April 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Bridge to remain closed as temporary fix too costly
Replacing the scaffolding to keep the bridge going for another five years would cost £600,000
A council said it is exploring options for restoring a bridge used by around 20,000 pedestrians a year, including installing a new one.
The Black Bridge over the River Wye in the Forest of Dean crosses from Lydbrook in Gloucestershire to Welsh Bicknor in Herefordshire, but has been closed since 2024.
Dozens of villagers have been calling for it to reopen, but Gloucestershire County Council said a temporary fix to install new scaffolding that would last five more years would cost an "eye-watering" £600,000 due to the complex and historic nature of the bridge. It said this was a poor use of public money, and for safety reasons, it will need to remain closed until further notice.
The current scaffolding has been in place at the bridge since 2016, but the council said it now needs replacing. However, this would not address the underlying structural issues or extend the bridge's lifespan. Due to the risk of falling debris, the scaffolding will be removed to protect river users.
The council said it is working with joint owners, Herefordshire Council, to secure funding to find a permanent solution which balances safety, heritage and value for money. Initial plans would be to keep the current bridge, but a new bridge is an option, which it said could be more sustainable while in keeping with the surrounding area.
Highways cabinet member for Gloucestershire, Joe Harris, said: "We understand the frustration of the community with the Lydbrook Bridge closure, and we're sorry for the inconvenience this causes. Safety must always come first, but we are committed to doing everything we can to secure a lasting future for Lydbrook Bridge and will continue to explore all available funding opportunities to make that happen."
The former Stowfield railway viaduct was originally built in 1875 and formed part of the Ross and Monmouth Railway. It became a footbridge after the line closed in 1959 and is now a key link on the 136-mile Wye Valley Way.
Replacing the scaffolding to keep the bridge going for another five years would cost £600,000
A council said it is exploring options for restoring a bridge used by around 20,000 pedestrians a year, including installing a new one.
The Black Bridge over the River Wye in the Forest of Dean crosses from Lydbrook in Gloucestershire to Welsh Bicknor in Herefordshire, but has been closed since 2024.
Dozens of villagers have been calling for it to reopen, but Gloucestershire County Council said a temporary fix to install new scaffolding that would last five more years would cost an "eye-watering" £600,000 due to the complex and historic nature of the bridge. It said this was a poor use of public money, and for safety reasons, it will need to remain closed until further notice.
The current scaffolding has been in place at the bridge since 2016, but the council said it now needs replacing. However, this would not address the underlying structural issues or extend the bridge's lifespan. Due to the risk of falling debris, the scaffolding will be removed to protect river users.
The council said it is working with joint owners, Herefordshire Council, to secure funding to find a permanent solution which balances safety, heritage and value for money. Initial plans would be to keep the current bridge, but a new bridge is an option, which it said could be more sustainable while in keeping with the surrounding area.
Highways cabinet member for Gloucestershire, Joe Harris, said: "We understand the frustration of the community with the Lydbrook Bridge closure, and we're sorry for the inconvenience this causes. Safety must always come first, but we are committed to doing everything we can to secure a lasting future for Lydbrook Bridge and will continue to explore all available funding opportunities to make that happen."
The former Stowfield railway viaduct was originally built in 1875 and formed part of the Ross and Monmouth Railway. It became a footbridge after the line closed in 1959 and is now a key link on the 136-mile Wye Valley Way.
| Re: Singleton, South Downs - the railway station that 'burned brightly' but briefly In "Railway History and related topics" [373952/31843/55] Posted by Mark A at 22:24, 5th April 2026 | |
This happens to be the station for the TV 'Repair Shop' series - a few years back I dropped them a line with a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that they take it on. It appears that someone else has done just that though.
Also, just look at that passenger handling capacity...
Mark
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [373951/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 22:24, 5th April 2026 | |
Cancellations to services between Reading and London Paddington
Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident between Reading and London Paddington all lines are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
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What has happened?
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A person has been struck by a train, leading to all lines being blocked. It is necessary to bring all trains in the affected area to an immediate stop.
| Singleton, South Downs - the railway station that 'burned brightly' but briefly In "Railway History and related topics" [373950/31843/55] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:09, 5th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
From the BBC:
The railway station that 'burned brightly' but briefly
Singleton Station, designed by architect TH Myres, was opened in 1881 by the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway
A former railway station opened in the South Downs in 1881 was once a destination for royalty and racegoers who flocked to Goodwood Racecourse.
However, by 1935 the final passenger service had passed through Singleton Station, with freight use lingering until 1953.
Local historian Tim Weeks said the station, which has now been turned into a cycling and walking trail, was built with very esteemed company in mind. "They wanted the Goodwood traffic...[and] they wanted the Prince of Wales, Bertie, later Edward VII. That was the prize," Weeks told Secret Sussex.
Despite the questionable merits of building a train station for a village of fewer than 300 people, Weeks said its opening by the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway created plenty of excitement. "It was a hugely impressive building which would have had a massive impact on the lives of everyone in this area, because it gave the ability for people to be able to go to Chichester without having to walk," he said.
Beyond this, people could also travel to Midhurst, Portsmouth, Brighton, and London, while Edward VII used the route for his trips to the West Dean Estate.
However, a train service needs regular passengers to be sustainable and travel habits were changing. Buses had begun to lure away train passengers by the 1920 and motorcars, which "Bertie was one of the earliest adopters of", also played their part.
The trail, which is an extension of the Centurion Way, follows the old Singleton Station line
The station survived on school trains and occasional excursions until 1935, when time was called on passenger journeys. "It burned brightly, but only for a short while," Weeks added.
The station boasted four platforms, a subway, and two signal boxes
Henry Potter, who moved to the area in 1955, said his father's job was to remove the old track after trains stopped passing through the station. While the station was intact when his family arrived, years of non-use left it in "a pretty sore state" and the line itself eventually closed in the 1990s.
However, the station has now been turned into a new trail which is an extension of the Centurion Way as part of a renovation project.
Singleton Station, designed by architect TH Myres, was opened in 1881 by the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway
A former railway station opened in the South Downs in 1881 was once a destination for royalty and racegoers who flocked to Goodwood Racecourse.
However, by 1935 the final passenger service had passed through Singleton Station, with freight use lingering until 1953.
Local historian Tim Weeks said the station, which has now been turned into a cycling and walking trail, was built with very esteemed company in mind. "They wanted the Goodwood traffic...[and] they wanted the Prince of Wales, Bertie, later Edward VII. That was the prize," Weeks told Secret Sussex.
Despite the questionable merits of building a train station for a village of fewer than 300 people, Weeks said its opening by the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway created plenty of excitement. "It was a hugely impressive building which would have had a massive impact on the lives of everyone in this area, because it gave the ability for people to be able to go to Chichester without having to walk," he said.
Beyond this, people could also travel to Midhurst, Portsmouth, Brighton, and London, while Edward VII used the route for his trips to the West Dean Estate.
However, a train service needs regular passengers to be sustainable and travel habits were changing. Buses had begun to lure away train passengers by the 1920 and motorcars, which "Bertie was one of the earliest adopters of", also played their part.
The trail, which is an extension of the Centurion Way, follows the old Singleton Station line
The station survived on school trains and occasional excursions until 1935, when time was called on passenger journeys. "It burned brightly, but only for a short while," Weeks added.
The station boasted four platforms, a subway, and two signal boxes
Henry Potter, who moved to the area in 1955, said his father's job was to remove the old track after trains stopped passing through the station. While the station was intact when his family arrived, years of non-use left it in "a pretty sore state" and the line itself eventually closed in the 1990s.
However, the station has now been turned into a new trail which is an extension of the Centurion Way as part of a renovation project.
| Re: New overnight train service at Gatwick to launch In "North Downs Line" [373949/31828/16] Posted by Hafren at 21:46, 5th April 2026 Already liked by eightonedee | |
Twyford or Maidenhead pax perhaps; small fry compared to possible connections from west during the day, but if every possible passenger counts to make this service viable...
| Re: Concerns over Newquay airport viability after London service axed In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373948/31841/31] Posted by Oxonhutch at 21:25, 5th April 2026 | |
Safer than Dubai at the moment.
| Re: A personal update - a.k.a. why I have not checked the TVM at Melksham In "Introductions and chat" [373947/31810/1] Posted by grahame at 21:12, 5th April 2026 | |
Taken from a short line that's been on my "bucket list" for years but only has a sporadic service and things have never quite aligned. They did yesterday with Easter engineering works.
| Re: Concerns over Newquay airport viability after London service axed In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373946/31841/31] Posted by Clan Line at 20:52, 5th April 2026 | |
Unusual visitor there on Friday !
| Re: Server slow ... In "News, Help and Assistance" [373945/30293/29] Posted by grahame at 20:50, 5th April 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
"Denial of service" activity this evening ... I think I have dealt with it ... sorry the site was working like glue if at all for you earlier. Looking better now but time will tell.
| Backlash over Birkenhead's 'Wotsit Street' scheme prompts review In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373944/31842/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:05, 5th April 2026 | |
From the BBC:
'Wotsit Street' scheme backlash prompts review
The bold designs were introduced as part of Wirral Council's wider plans to regenerate Birkenhead
The repainting of a busy road with bright yellow and orange shapes is to be reviewed after locals dubbed it "Wotsit Street" because of its resemblance to the cheesy corn puffs brand.
The bold design - which aims to slow traffic on Grange Road West in Birkenhead - covers most of the pavement and swirls on to the road in a sweeping curve, with orange planters and benches placed on top.
Wirral Council's environment and transport chair Liz Grey explained the original plans featured cream paint on the road but cost-cutting measures had led to it being left black. "If it had matched the rest of Grange Road with the cream and stone on the road, it might have been more popular," she said.
Grey said the regeneration work in Birkenhead town centre had gone over budget and were "the result of errors by people who have now left". She said she understood why people were angry, despite large areas of the town centre having been improved.
Grey admitted Grange Road West "looks like orange plastic rubbish". It is now under review, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
The scheme, carried out in 2025 using grant funding, is part of the wider regeneration of Birkenhead, approved by the council in 2023. When first introduced, the council said it was "an eye-catching but straightforward way of changing the dynamics of the street".
The local authority now has 12 months to work out what to do with the road. A public consultation has been launched.
The Bidston and St James Labour Party said the original design had enjoyed cross-party support and the road could be "easily be returned to its former appearance if that's what people want". It said "the new teams are keen to listen to local people".
Wirral Council is now reviewing the design of the street in Birkenhead town centre
Birkenhead MP Alison McGovern said she was "not immune to how it feels to walk through Grange Road West". She said she did not ever want to talk down Birkenhead with its "great culture" and "incredible architecture" but people had told her "they support places to sit out but they don't believe this was what was promised". She is also requesting feedback on the design.
The bold designs were introduced as part of Wirral Council's wider plans to regenerate Birkenhead
The repainting of a busy road with bright yellow and orange shapes is to be reviewed after locals dubbed it "Wotsit Street" because of its resemblance to the cheesy corn puffs brand.
The bold design - which aims to slow traffic on Grange Road West in Birkenhead - covers most of the pavement and swirls on to the road in a sweeping curve, with orange planters and benches placed on top.
Wirral Council's environment and transport chair Liz Grey explained the original plans featured cream paint on the road but cost-cutting measures had led to it being left black. "If it had matched the rest of Grange Road with the cream and stone on the road, it might have been more popular," she said.
Grey said the regeneration work in Birkenhead town centre had gone over budget and were "the result of errors by people who have now left". She said she understood why people were angry, despite large areas of the town centre having been improved.
Grey admitted Grange Road West "looks like orange plastic rubbish". It is now under review, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
The scheme, carried out in 2025 using grant funding, is part of the wider regeneration of Birkenhead, approved by the council in 2023. When first introduced, the council said it was "an eye-catching but straightforward way of changing the dynamics of the street".
The local authority now has 12 months to work out what to do with the road. A public consultation has been launched.
The Bidston and St James Labour Party said the original design had enjoyed cross-party support and the road could be "easily be returned to its former appearance if that's what people want". It said "the new teams are keen to listen to local people".
Wirral Council is now reviewing the design of the street in Birkenhead town centre
Birkenhead MP Alison McGovern said she was "not immune to how it feels to walk through Grange Road West". She said she did not ever want to talk down Birkenhead with its "great culture" and "incredible architecture" but people had told her "they support places to sit out but they don't believe this was what was promised". She is also requesting feedback on the design.
| Re: A holiday in Scotland - Azumas, HSTs and reflections on places visited. In "Introductions and chat" [373943/31835/1] Posted by eightonedee at 18:57, 5th April 2026 Already liked by Oxonhutch | |
...and here (hopefully) is part three!
Part three - Dunkeld, Dundee and travel by ScotRail
We had a pleasant half day excursion to Dunkeld, taking the train as it’s the first stop on the Inverness line. It’s a pretty, tidy small town (or rather two, as Birnam, of Hamlet’s wood fame, comprises part) in a fine location by the banks of the Tay. Its partly ruined cathedral is the highlight. It was once the centre of Christianity in Scotland, but suffered after the Reformation and during a battle with Jacobites in 1689. The exterior is behind barriers, as is the entirety of the Nave for safety reasons. Even in the choir, retained as the parish church, the walls visibly lean outwards.
Dunkeld’s station (strictly Dunkeld and Birnam) is on a passing loop. It has recently been renovated with resurfaced platforms, rather mean-sized bus shelter style shelters on each platform and a plaque recording that John Swinney formally re-opened it when the works were completed. It’s a bit of a shame that the fine retained old station building was not refurbished for use at that time.
The following day we visited Dundee. The station is on the waterfront in the middle of an area that has clearly benefited from much investment in regeneration in recent years. There are blocks of new flats, new offices and tourist attractions including Discovery Point adjacent to the ship and its dock with a fine museum of Antarctic exploration, HMS Unicorn that claims to be one of the oldest almost complete ships still afloat in another of the remaining docks and the V&A Dundee on the waterfront. We did not have time for the latter, as we went to the municipal museum which has a family connection to one of our friends instead.
Dundee’s station has also been modernised, giving a favourable impression to passengers arriving there, and it lies a short step away from both Discovery Point and the V&A. It is a credit to the city and ScotRail.
As for our trains, all ran to time. It was a bonus that three out of four journeys, the outward one to Dunkeld and both to and from Dundee were on HSTs. These are reduced sets, with just four coaches between the power cars, and are branded “inter7city” by ScotRail. The interior refresh on each train still looked good and well-cared for, the only aspect possibly showing the age of the underlying trains was a noticeable amount of creaking and rattles from the trim. The outward journeys to Dunkeld and Dundee (both at about 10 am) were lightly loaded, but the return from Dunkeld, a stopping service comprising a 3-car 170 and 2-car 158 was busy, as was the return from Dundee. The latter was clearly a commuter train between Perth and Dundee, as many joined us leaving at Perth.
If you want your last real regular scheduled service HST ride, Scotland is where you should go.
| Re: A holiday in Scotland - Azumas, HSTs and reflections on places visited. In "Introductions and chat" [373942/31835/1] Posted by eightonedee at 18:42, 5th April 2026 Already liked by Oxonhutch | |
Well, I tried to upload the rest of my account, but it seems to be too large! So here's a part 2 of 3
Part Two- Impressions of Perth and its station
Perth station reflects the city’s centre. Both have clearly seen better days!
You might have seen a fine 19th century painting, now at the NRM, showing a busy bustling Perth station with a grand overall vaulted roof – see https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co226668/perth-station-coming-south. That is not the scene that greets the modern traveller disembarking from the London train on arrival at Perth.
Perth station is a muddle of extensions and additions. It is shaped like a glove, with the “thumb” being two platforms (1 and 2) serving the line to Dundee that leaves on a curve to the east, and the remaining platforms 3-7 on the rest of the “hand” with north-south lines. It appears that the original station as shown in the painting is now platforms 5 -7, with 7 used for through trains for Inverness, the other two cut short as bays for lines going south, and the northern end of the old train shed being a covered car park where through lines previously ran. Platforms 3 and 4 lie under another roof which looks like a second-hand factory roof, which appears to be a later extension, so that some fine Victorian Gothic railway buildings are hidden to the outside world. They are not well-used, just for the London-Inverness trains and a few Edinburgh-Inverness ones. Finally, filling some of the gap between the “thumb” and the main station building there is a more recent single storey building housing the ticket office, a Costa and a kiosk. One unusual feature is a proliferation of bridges in the station. From north to south, there’s a standard lattice iron footbridge linking platforms 3 and 4 under the roof, a disused one between the same platforms that has out-of-order goods lifts at either end, a more substantial bridge with steps one side and ramps the other linking all platforms with the exit under the portion between platforms 3 and 2 also under the bridge. If you want or need a lift for passengers, there’s a much newer one spanning all platforms outside the train shed to the south with modern lifts to each, but no roof over the bridge deck between the lifts like the ones us namby-pamby southerners have at places like Goring, Tilehurst, Oxford or Newbury…. Pity the poor wheelchair bound passenger using it on a cold, wet Scottish winter day.
Although it has prosperous looking suburbs and busy trading estates, the city centre itself is clearly struggling. There are a lot of empty shops and the not-so-old Debenhams that was clearly the city’s main department store sits empty. From the shops that are left, it seems its citizens have immaculate nails, are well-coiffured but have a serous vape habit and live off take-aways. There are though some fine old 18th and 19th century buildings, and fine municipal buildings in the shape of the city’s museum (its top-rated attraction, with the Stone of Scone and currently an exhibition centred on Mary Queen of Scots last known letter – recommended for history buffs) and a building with the library and theatre.
The city is a good base for exploring the wider area, with the added bonus of a chance to revisit the experience of travel by HST. More to follow…
| Concerns over Newquay airport viability after London service axed In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373941/31841/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:25, 5th April 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Concerns over airport viability after service axed
Concerns have been raised about the viability of Cornwall's airport after the sudden cancellation of its daily service to London.
Skybus cancelled its ongoing Newquay to Gatwick service on Wednesday due to the rising price of fuel. Its Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract had been scheduled to end on 31 May.
The president of the county's Chamber of Commerce, Toby Parkins, said: "The income into the airport is going to be considerably down... [The] majority of their revenue was actually coming from that daily flight."
Cornwall Airport Newquay said the decision was outside of its control and it remains "confident in the airport's future".
Ryanair's year-round service to London Stansted will continue, and in June EasyJet is launching a new summer service to Gatwick.
Parkins said: "Replacing a daily route with two flights a week to Gatwick is not a like-for-like change." He said the daily Skybus route had been contributing about £2,000 per landing, in comparison to low-cost airlines, which land for about £600 "far less frequently".
Parkins also raised concerns over the impact it could have on Cornwall's tourism. "I think if we look at the long term, if the airport is not viable and it has become less viable without the PSO, then actually there are going to be big questions long term for people coming to Cornwall," he said. "But also Cornish residents that currently enjoy relatively cheap flights to other countries for their holidays. I think that could be put at risk now."
In a statement Cornwall Airport Newquay said the change to schedules "naturally has an impact" but "no single service defines our long-term financial stability". It said it had a "diverse" set of routes and airline partners, and would prioritise "maintaining accessible pricing and choice".
"We remain confident in the airport's future and are actively exploring opportunities to strengthen connectivity, support the local economy, and provide reliable, value-for-money travel options for the region," the airport added.
Dennis Lucan is an investment portfolio manager at the Cornwall Angel Network, part of Falmouth University, which finds anonymous investors for Cornish projects. Lucan said the network looks to invite people and organisations from capital cities to Cornwall to see a selection of "highly investable companies, hoping to create jobs" in the county. "But if you think about it, how are these people going to get here," he said. "These are the type of individuals and organisations that need to be able to come to Cornwall in the morning and leave at the end of the day." He said scrapping the PSO was taking a step backwards, isolating Cornwall further from the rest of the UK.
Alistair Handyside from the South West Tourism Alliance said: "It's another connection that's gone." He said the south west was "feeling a little bit bruised" by the reduction of investment.
Concerns have been raised about the viability of Cornwall's airport after the sudden cancellation of its daily service to London.
Skybus cancelled its ongoing Newquay to Gatwick service on Wednesday due to the rising price of fuel. Its Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract had been scheduled to end on 31 May.
The president of the county's Chamber of Commerce, Toby Parkins, said: "The income into the airport is going to be considerably down... [The] majority of their revenue was actually coming from that daily flight."
Cornwall Airport Newquay said the decision was outside of its control and it remains "confident in the airport's future".
Ryanair's year-round service to London Stansted will continue, and in June EasyJet is launching a new summer service to Gatwick.
Parkins said: "Replacing a daily route with two flights a week to Gatwick is not a like-for-like change." He said the daily Skybus route had been contributing about £2,000 per landing, in comparison to low-cost airlines, which land for about £600 "far less frequently".
Parkins also raised concerns over the impact it could have on Cornwall's tourism. "I think if we look at the long term, if the airport is not viable and it has become less viable without the PSO, then actually there are going to be big questions long term for people coming to Cornwall," he said. "But also Cornish residents that currently enjoy relatively cheap flights to other countries for their holidays. I think that could be put at risk now."
In a statement Cornwall Airport Newquay said the change to schedules "naturally has an impact" but "no single service defines our long-term financial stability". It said it had a "diverse" set of routes and airline partners, and would prioritise "maintaining accessible pricing and choice".
"We remain confident in the airport's future and are actively exploring opportunities to strengthen connectivity, support the local economy, and provide reliable, value-for-money travel options for the region," the airport added.
Dennis Lucan is an investment portfolio manager at the Cornwall Angel Network, part of Falmouth University, which finds anonymous investors for Cornish projects. Lucan said the network looks to invite people and organisations from capital cities to Cornwall to see a selection of "highly investable companies, hoping to create jobs" in the county. "But if you think about it, how are these people going to get here," he said. "These are the type of individuals and organisations that need to be able to come to Cornwall in the morning and leave at the end of the day." He said scrapping the PSO was taking a step backwards, isolating Cornwall further from the rest of the UK.
Alistair Handyside from the South West Tourism Alliance said: "It's another connection that's gone." He said the south west was "feeling a little bit bruised" by the reduction of investment.
| Re: Spur and sidings east of Swindon? In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [373940/31839/10] Posted by bobm at 17:55, 5th April 2026 | |
It was originally called the South Marston Euroterminal.
Some details of the technical arrangements here https://reference.swindonpanel.org.uk/index.php/South_Marston
As mentioned in that it has been rarely used and I think the last train to visit was a railtour in October 2022.
| Re: Spur and sidings east of Swindon? In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [373939/31839/10] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:40, 5th April 2026 | |
The Rail Terminal, Keypoint Logistics Park, former Honda Logistics Rail Terminal, Swindon.
See https://www.avisonyoung.co.uk/properties/214677-the-rail-terminal-keypoint-logistics-park-for-sale
| More trains to be added in two Southeastern timetable boosts, from 17 May 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373938/31840/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:18, 5th April 2026 | |
From the BBC:
More trains to be added in two timetable boosts
The new timetable begins on 17 May, with some trains re-introduced as well as new services operating
Passengers travelling on Southeastern Railway will benefit from two major timetable boosts in 2026, the operator says.
Serving Kent, East Sussex and parts of Greater London, it said changes beginning on 17 May would see trains re-introduced to the timetable, including peak-hour services between London Blackfriars and Gillingham/Maidstone East.
Additional trains on weekdays would also be added between Maidstone East and London Charing Cross where there are gaps in the service, as well as additional services between Canterbury West and St Pancras on weekdays and Saturday mornings on the High Speed route.
A Southeastern spokesperson said this was the "first step in a bigger transformation". The improvements are intended to support the growing railway in the South East and provide customers with more choice and opportunity to travel, said the company.
In December, Southeastern will significantly expand its metro timetable, with trains running on a "turn up and go" basis.
Southeastern said that on all metro routes, excluding the Bromley North line, trains would run every 15 minutes from Monday to Saturday. It added that a Maidstone East - London Charing Cross service would operate hourly on Sundays, as well as an increase in services on the Sheerness branch, providing two trains per hour all day, seven days per week.
Scott Brightwell, the safety, planning & performance director at Southeastern, said: "We continually listen to our customers and monitor travel patterns to adjust and improve our timetable every May and December. In previous timetable updates we have added more services, more capacity where it is needed and more consistent departure times too."
Passengers are advised to check timetables for the timings of extra services, as well as their normal trains, as some have been amended to support better performance.
The new timetable begins on 17 May, with some trains re-introduced as well as new services operating
Passengers travelling on Southeastern Railway will benefit from two major timetable boosts in 2026, the operator says.
Serving Kent, East Sussex and parts of Greater London, it said changes beginning on 17 May would see trains re-introduced to the timetable, including peak-hour services between London Blackfriars and Gillingham/Maidstone East.
Additional trains on weekdays would also be added between Maidstone East and London Charing Cross where there are gaps in the service, as well as additional services between Canterbury West and St Pancras on weekdays and Saturday mornings on the High Speed route.
A Southeastern spokesperson said this was the "first step in a bigger transformation". The improvements are intended to support the growing railway in the South East and provide customers with more choice and opportunity to travel, said the company.
In December, Southeastern will significantly expand its metro timetable, with trains running on a "turn up and go" basis.
Southeastern said that on all metro routes, excluding the Bromley North line, trains would run every 15 minutes from Monday to Saturday. It added that a Maidstone East - London Charing Cross service would operate hourly on Sundays, as well as an increase in services on the Sheerness branch, providing two trains per hour all day, seven days per week.
Scott Brightwell, the safety, planning & performance director at Southeastern, said: "We continually listen to our customers and monitor travel patterns to adjust and improve our timetable every May and December. In previous timetable updates we have added more services, more capacity where it is needed and more consistent departure times too."
Passengers are advised to check timetables for the timings of extra services, as well as their normal trains, as some have been amended to support better performance.
| Spur and sidings east of Swindon? In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [373937/31839/10] Posted by Marlburian at 17:17, 5th April 2026 | |
What purpose does/did the spur have that branches off the Swindon-Didcot line close to Swindon Police Station and above "Dunelm"? Map.
I was out that way this morning so had a snoop as best I could from public roads. There's a somewhat rusty single spur off the main line that disappears through gates. Scrolling enlarges the map and shows what appear to be three loops that merge into two sidings, to the west of AIT Home Delivery.
I've looked at various other maps but can spot no clues. It doesn't feature on maps published up to the early 1970s.
Any info, please?
| Birmingham tram extension welcomes first passengers In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373936/31838/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:03, 5th April 2026 | |
From the BBC:
New tram extension welcomes first passengers
The Metro tram service now runs to Millennium Point
A new Metro tram extension has opened to passengers for the first time in the West Midlands.
The extension to Millennium Point links up the area with other parts of Birmingham city centre and Wolverhampton.
Despite delays on Sunday morning, caused by an abandoned car on the tracks at St Chad, services resumed between Wolverhampton and Millennium Point at about 10:00 BST.
As part of the extension, the service now branches off from Corporation Street and stops at Albert Street before travelling on to Millennium Point. Services on the new section are expected to run every 15 minutes, with some existing trams diverted to serve the additional stops.
The extended service is set to provide easier access to destinations including Millennium Point, Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, Birmingham City University and Moor Street Station.
Transport officials said the new Albert Street stop would also improve connections for thousands of passengers using the nearby bus interchange.
The route is part of a wider programme to expand the Metro tram network further east, with work already started to extend the line to Digbeth.
Longer term plans include routes towards a proposed new stadium for Birmingham City FC and connections to Birmingham Airport.
The Metro tram service now runs to Millennium Point
A new Metro tram extension has opened to passengers for the first time in the West Midlands.
The extension to Millennium Point links up the area with other parts of Birmingham city centre and Wolverhampton.
Despite delays on Sunday morning, caused by an abandoned car on the tracks at St Chad, services resumed between Wolverhampton and Millennium Point at about 10:00 BST.
As part of the extension, the service now branches off from Corporation Street and stops at Albert Street before travelling on to Millennium Point. Services on the new section are expected to run every 15 minutes, with some existing trams diverted to serve the additional stops.
The extended service is set to provide easier access to destinations including Millennium Point, Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, Birmingham City University and Moor Street Station.
Transport officials said the new Albert Street stop would also improve connections for thousands of passengers using the nearby bus interchange.
The route is part of a wider programme to expand the Metro tram network further east, with work already started to extend the line to Digbeth.
Longer term plans include routes towards a proposed new stadium for Birmingham City FC and connections to Birmingham Airport.
| New road in Collingham, near Newark, to allow closure of level crossing In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373935/31837/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:48, 5th April 2026 | |
From the BBC:
New road to allow closure of level crossing
Network Rail is carrying out a £4.7m project at Collingham, near Newark
A new link road is set to open next month, making way for the closure of a level crossing that has been a "long-identified safety risk".
Network Rail is carrying out a £4.7m project to build the road in Collingham, near Newark, and shut the Cross Lane level crossing.
The new link road is being built alongside the railway line from the south of the level crossing to the east of another level crossing nearby on Swinderby Road. After the road opens on 29 May, Network Rail said the old highway connecting Cross Lane and Swinderby Road through the level crossing would be closed under a stopping up order.
According to Network Rail, a person was seen "standing in the crossing taking photographs" within the past six months. Meanwhile, on another occasion during the same time period, a person was "found lying injured on the road after falling while using the crossing".
The old highway through the Cross Lane level crossing will be closed under a stopping up order
Construction of the new road began on 19 February, and is part of a wider project designed to improve road safety and deliver faster train services.
Once the work is complete, Network Rail said trains between Newark and Lincoln would be able to travel at higher speeds. Currently, the line speed on this section of the route ranges between 50mph (80.5km/h) and 70mph (112.7km/h). Following the work, Network Rail said it would be raised to 75mph (120.7km/h).
A section of Cross Lane between the crossing and Potter Hill Road is also being upgraded as part of the project.
Nick Wilton, Network Rail senior sponsor, said: "The new road will be a significant boost for the rail line, improving journey times between Newark and Lincoln, while also improving the experience for motorists in the area."
Network Rail is carrying out a £4.7m project at Collingham, near Newark
A new link road is set to open next month, making way for the closure of a level crossing that has been a "long-identified safety risk".
Network Rail is carrying out a £4.7m project to build the road in Collingham, near Newark, and shut the Cross Lane level crossing.
The new link road is being built alongside the railway line from the south of the level crossing to the east of another level crossing nearby on Swinderby Road. After the road opens on 29 May, Network Rail said the old highway connecting Cross Lane and Swinderby Road through the level crossing would be closed under a stopping up order.
According to Network Rail, a person was seen "standing in the crossing taking photographs" within the past six months. Meanwhile, on another occasion during the same time period, a person was "found lying injured on the road after falling while using the crossing".
The old highway through the Cross Lane level crossing will be closed under a stopping up order
Construction of the new road began on 19 February, and is part of a wider project designed to improve road safety and deliver faster train services.
Once the work is complete, Network Rail said trains between Newark and Lincoln would be able to travel at higher speeds. Currently, the line speed on this section of the route ranges between 50mph (80.5km/h) and 70mph (112.7km/h). Following the work, Network Rail said it would be raised to 75mph (120.7km/h).
A section of Cross Lane between the crossing and Potter Hill Road is also being upgraded as part of the project.
Nick Wilton, Network Rail senior sponsor, said: "The new road will be a significant boost for the rail line, improving journey times between Newark and Lincoln, while also improving the experience for motorists in the area."
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373934/31355/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:08, 5th April 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Storm Dave leads to train cancellations and delays in north-western England
Rail services between Manchester Piccadilly and Chester were affected by an obstruction on the line
Storm Dave has caused disruption to a number of rail services overnight and into Easter Sunday.
Damage to the overhead electric lines between Bolton and Preston via Chorley has resulted in "trains running between these stations [being] cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised," said National Rail.
Meanwhile, Avanti West Coast is diverting its services and running between Bolton and Preston due to engineering work. It said disruption was expected until 13:00 BST.
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: "If your train is cancelled, your ticket is valid on one of the two Avanti West Coast services immediately before your booked train, or one of the two immediately after." Anyone no longer wishing to travel due to their train being delayed or cancelled can request a full refund from where they bought their ticket, they added.
Northern said its passengers could also travel on Transport for Greater Manchester buses at no extra cost on the following routes: V1, V2, 35, 132, 516, 575, 576, 607, 608, 609 and 615. Northern ticket restrictions have been lifted in the affected areas during this disruption, they added.
Trans Pennine Express said lines were closed in both directions between Preston and Oxenholme Lake District over the Easter weekend.
Routes between Manchester Airport, Liverpool Lime Street and Preston will run on an amended timetable.
Rail services between Manchester and Chester were suspended at about 22:30 BST on Saturday after the line was blocked, with the obstruction cleared at about 09:30, National Rail said. Northern and Transport for Wales advised passengers that a rail replacement bus service was operating between Manchester Piccadilly and Chester.
National Rail has issued a general warning for people to check their journey before travelling as "there may still be some residual disruption".
Storm Dave has caused widespread disruption to road and rail travel across the UK, with multiple flood warnings still in place in some areas. Conditions are expected to ease later.
Yellow wind warnings covering Scotland, north-west Wales and parts of northern England, which saw blustery conditions on Saturday and overnight, have been lifted.
Rail services between Manchester Piccadilly and Chester were affected by an obstruction on the line
Storm Dave has caused disruption to a number of rail services overnight and into Easter Sunday.
Damage to the overhead electric lines between Bolton and Preston via Chorley has resulted in "trains running between these stations [being] cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised," said National Rail.
Meanwhile, Avanti West Coast is diverting its services and running between Bolton and Preston due to engineering work. It said disruption was expected until 13:00 BST.
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: "If your train is cancelled, your ticket is valid on one of the two Avanti West Coast services immediately before your booked train, or one of the two immediately after." Anyone no longer wishing to travel due to their train being delayed or cancelled can request a full refund from where they bought their ticket, they added.
Northern said its passengers could also travel on Transport for Greater Manchester buses at no extra cost on the following routes: V1, V2, 35, 132, 516, 575, 576, 607, 608, 609 and 615. Northern ticket restrictions have been lifted in the affected areas during this disruption, they added.
Trans Pennine Express said lines were closed in both directions between Preston and Oxenholme Lake District over the Easter weekend.
Routes between Manchester Airport, Liverpool Lime Street and Preston will run on an amended timetable.
Rail services between Manchester and Chester were suspended at about 22:30 BST on Saturday after the line was blocked, with the obstruction cleared at about 09:30, National Rail said. Northern and Transport for Wales advised passengers that a rail replacement bus service was operating between Manchester Piccadilly and Chester.
National Rail has issued a general warning for people to check their journey before travelling as "there may still be some residual disruption".
Storm Dave has caused widespread disruption to road and rail travel across the UK, with multiple flood warnings still in place in some areas. Conditions are expected to ease later.
Yellow wind warnings covering Scotland, north-west Wales and parts of northern England, which saw blustery conditions on Saturday and overnight, have been lifted.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373933/31359/18] Posted by bobm at 16:04, 5th April 2026 | |
The line is blocked near Wootton Bassett junction.
There was a train from Chippenham to Westbury via Melksham which left Chippenham at 15:31.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373932/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 16:02, 5th April 2026 | |
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident.
Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident at Swindon all lines are blocked. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Train services between London Paddington and Swansea via Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
A person has been struck by a train in the Swindon area, leading to all lines being blocked.
It is necessary to bring all trains in the affected area to an immediate stop.
Train services between London Paddington and Swansea via Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
A person has been struck by a train in the Swindon area, leading to all lines being blocked.
It is necessary to bring all trains in the affected area to an immediate stop.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373931/31359/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 15:45, 5th April 2026 | |
15:44 Swindon to Westbury due 16:25
15:44 Swindon to Westbury due 16:25 will be cancelled.
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident.
16:52 Westbury to Swindon due 17:34
16:52 Westbury to Swindon due 17:34 will be cancelled.
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident.
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident
| Re: New overnight train service at Gatwick to launch In "North Downs Line" [373930/31828/16] Posted by grahame at 14:22, 5th April 2026 | |
There are some quite late trains between PAD and RDG (albeit fewer on weekends)... I wonder if they connect!
Let's see...
Departure to Gatwick at 0228
Arrival from London 0234
Couldn't make it up!
Let's see...
Departure to Gatwick at 0228
Arrival from London 0234
Couldn't make it up!
But would people want to make that change? Bit of a double back?
| Re: New overnight train service at Gatwick to launch In "North Downs Line" [373929/31828/16] Posted by Hafren at 13:19, 5th April 2026 | |
There are some quite late trains between PAD and RDG (albeit fewer on weekends)... I wonder if they connect!
Let's see...
Departure to Gatwick at 0228
Arrival from London 0234
Couldn't make it up!
| Re: Addressing Information - cost - connectivity - comfort - frequency - reliability In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373928/31748/40] Posted by grahame at 10:47, 5th April 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, Mark A | |
It begs the question why is the Westbury fare cheaper that the Trowbridge one? Or is this another of your famous typos 
Because this is the rail industry. Not a typo.
| Re: Addressing Information - cost - connectivity - comfort - frequency - reliability In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373927/31748/40] Posted by rogerw at 10:37, 5th April 2026 | |
It begs the question why is the Westbury fare cheaper that the Trowbridge one? Or is this another of your famous typos
| Catering - thinking of the single traveller In "Across the West" [373926/31836/26] Posted by grahame at 09:46, 5th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
I travel - a lot - by train, by bus, by ferry. And a fair proportion of the time I am alone, and that sets challenges. Short journeys are fine, but some of the hospitality elements of travel seemed geared up to the group and are less than convenient or well thought through for the solo traveller.
On train ...
Yesterday morning, I was up early and caught the 08:02 train from Melksham - change at Swindon into the 08:40 London express. Dying for a cup of coffee by the time I got on that train, I found myself a seat and heard the catering announcement - "I have just been through the train, but I am still available if you want to find me please come through to coach G". The worst of three worlds:
* For a fixed buffet, I would have boarded, gone to the fixed buffet and found a seat near there.
* At-seat catering, fine, if it really is at seat when you want it. Some continental operators let you order on the train WiFi and will deliver to your seat
* With a companion / colleague, the two or more of you can be mutually supportive - holding seats, looking after luggage for the long trek from "A" to "G"
Not just a GWR issue; I was on another operator's train later in the day, and we were invited (those of us in the unit with the trolley) by the travelling caterer to visit her at t'other end of the unit.
Awaiting the train ...
Little things. I could have gotten myself a WHSmiths Meal Deal in Swindon (at twice the price I would pay in Morrisons) or would probably have had time to grab a Starbucks at an even higher price, to juggle as I got onto the train. I have a reputation (more than that - a fatal record) for pouring liquids into equipment and am disinclined to juggle.
Away from the station ...
Yesterday evening ... and I wait (away from the railway) in a vibrant town centre. Modern ordering system - and the option to have it delivered to the table. Good - order placed, number flag picked up, made myself comfortable at table. Young lady brings over tray a few minutes later as I'm tapping away at my laptop, settled in. Drink cup is empty - "oh - you help yourself from the fountain around which is [indicated around corner]". Busy town centre; I really did not feeel like leaving my stuff, nor packing up and carrying it including my meal over to what turns out to be a queue for the soda machine. Again - how is the solo eater supposed to cope, or are we an unwanted customer segment?
The "Big Box" meal WAS that - a big box. Mostly filled with fresh air. But I did enjoy the food. The tub of spiced beans was a challenge; really tasty, but how to eat them? A disposable fork or spoon would have been nice. Wandering up to the counter at the other end of the restaurant would have meant packing up again and carrying - with a now-full cola. Solution / fold the lid of the bean pot and use it like a spoon. Awkard, but probably a better solution that tearing a strip off the box lid and trying to fashion something bean-juice-proof out of that. And - as an aside - when I came to put the "big box" into their recycling bin, it was too big to fit through the slot!
