So basically just like any other November day in the past

I think you are mistaken in that the DfT, having transferred the services to GBR, will then move them again to the elected mayors.

Yes, the mayors will have overall control of what services are offered in their Metro areas, but I think that'll remain through 'requests' to GBR.

My thoughts on the direction of travel (pun intended  ) of the current Government with the devolution to an elected Mayor structure of local Government is to hand over the "Metro" type of services to the Mayors / local authorities.

Hereford (via Evesham)

07:13 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 09:42 will be terminated at Reading.
It has been delayed between Great Malvern and Charlbury and is now 38 minutes late.
This is due to a speed restriction over defective track.
Last Updated:14/11/2025 09:12

The Devon Live article above seems slightly at odds with DCC's website, which states:

Source: Devon County Council

So is it £1.5 million, or £3 million?

Followers of the Portishead saga may find reference to the DCO process rather triggering! Is this massively cumbersome process really appropriate to a scheme such as this? Is this really a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project? Reopening the whole route might qualify for this, but surely not a short local railway?

05:03 Penzance to London Paddington due 09:54
Facilities on the 05:03 Penzance to London Paddington due 09:54.
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 10. There are no reservations on this service.

5 all the way to Paddington (again).

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Reading

Due to a points failure between London Paddington and Reading some lines are closed.

Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 20 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 10:15 14/11.

Could express coach/s be supplied at Tiverton Parkway,with a non stop service to Barnstaple?

Southampton City Council wants to replace the single-lane Northam Rail Bridge

A city council has proposed building two new replacements for a 117-year-old road bridge in Southampton.

The authority wants to remove the single-lane Northam Rail Bridge, which currently carries the A3024 and is nearing the end of its operational life. It said the £100m project would resolve ongoing maintenance challenges and improve connections in the city.

Christie Lambert, deputy council leader and member responsible for transport, called on the public to share their views.

The plan would see three years of construction, with hopes for completion by winter 2030.

The bridge is a key route in and out of the east side of the city centre, but creates a bottleneck at peak times, with two lanes of traffic in each direction merging to go over the railway line.

The council has proposed a new bridge be built to the north of the current one, while the existing road remains in use. Traffic would then switch to the new bridge to allow the ageing structure to be removed and replaced. Once both new bridges are installed, the northern one could carry two lanes of eastbound traffic, while the southern one could include two lanes of westbound traffic and a dedicated bus lane. The plans include segregated paths for pedestrians and cyclists, alongside improvements to the Brinton's Road and Britannia Road junctions.

Ms Lambert said: "This project will not only address long-standing maintenance issues but also create new opportunities for growth and development. We are committed to working closely with the community to make this vision a reality and urge everyone to get involved, share their views, and help us secure government support."


The plan would see three years of construction, with hopes for completion by winter 2030

The plan aims to ensure vehicles can continue to travel on the route throughout construction.

The local authority has launched an online survey for views to be shared and to strengthen the case for funding. A series of engagement events have been organised this month to see details about the project, ask questions and provide feedback.

The council is looking to submit its outline business case for funding to the Department for Transport (DfT) in spring 2026, with a planning application to and any refinements to the business case to follow. A decision from DfT ministers would be expected in 2027.

Police officer sentenced over teen headlock

A police officer who put a 15-year-old girl in a headlock while arresting her for pushing through a ticket barrier has been given a community order.

PC Adrian Young was convicted of assault by beating last month following a trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court. The 48-year-old, of Spalding, Lincolnshire, has been sentenced to a 12-month community order, including a rehabilitation activity requirement of 10 days, and 150 hours' unpaid work.

British Transport Police (BTP) described Young's actions as "appalling", adding that he had demonstrated "a completely unnecessary and unacceptable use of force against a child". He remains suspended from duty.

BTP officers responded to a request for assistance from railway staff on 22 September 2024 after the girl pushed her way through ticket barriers at Camden Road Overground station.

CCTV footage played to the court showed Young restraining the girl by placing her in a headlock. She remained in the headlock for about 30 seconds before the constable pushed her back through the ticket barrier and placed his hand around her throat while pushing her up against a ticket machine.

Young, who has served in the police for more than 19 years, handcuffed and arrested the child. She was later de-arrested at the scene.

District Judge Nina Tempia said the incident would have caused the girl "psychological distress".

Prosecutor Barto De Lotbiniere told the court: "There's clear evidence to say this is a victim who was vulnerable due to her age and also the circumstances of the time."

Defending Young, Kevin Baumber said the officer had used "excessive force in a lawful detention" and there was "no choking and no strangulation". Mr Baumber added: "The mistakes Mr Young made were all in flow of an active incident that was made more difficult by an act of physical resistance by the complainant. In a situation where there was grounds for lawful detention, there was also active verbal and physical interference by her friend that made the job the defendant was trying to do more difficult."

BTP Assistant Chief Constable Sean O'Callaghan said: "I'd like to be absolutely clear that the actions of PC Young during this incident were appalling, demonstrating a completely unnecessary and unacceptable use of force against a child. Police officers are rightly expected to maintain control of any situation and by not doing so, PC Young has undermined public confidence in BTP and the high standards we hold our officers to every day. We thank the IOPC for their investigation and will be looking to progress with internal disciplinary proceedings as soon as possible."