Avanti has vowed to “rebuild trust” after it has been controversially awarded a long-term contract to operate the West Coast Main Line.
It comes after the company had previously been given until 1 April 2023 to continue running the route from London to Glasgow, but had been told that it needed to “drastically improve” its services if it was to stand any chance of having the contract extended further beyond that date due to its chaotic past since taking over from Virgin in December 2019.
Despite many customers still expressing discontent with level of services during this time, the Department for Transport (DfT) still went on to award Avanti another six-month contract extension from the start of April onwards after it deemed “significant improvements had been made since October”.
The DfT said its decision at the time followed Avanti being ordered to develop a recovery plan aimed at “addressing poor performance on vital West Coast Main Line routes” – including between Manchester, Birmingham, and London.
And now, it has been confirmed today that the operator has, once again, been given full control of the West Coast Main Line by the DfT.
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Avanti has been awarded a long-term contract to run the West Coast Main Line / Credit: Avanti West Coast
It’s part of a new National Rail Contract known as the West Coast Partnership (WCP).
According to Avanti, the long-term WCP will commence on 15 October 2023 and will last until 17 October 2032, subject to ongoing approval, and will begin with a core three-year term to 18 October 2026.
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The DfT says it has worked closely with Avanti to “restore reliability and punctuality to levels that passengers expect” throughout the two contract extensions, and it feels the operator’s performance has “improved significantly” – with cancellations said to be consistently below 3% since March 2023, down from 13% in January 2023, and over 90% of trains now arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time, which is improved from 75% in December 2022.
Not only that, but more than 100 additional drivers are also said to have been trained and brought on since April 2022, while improvements to passenger facilities on trains have been too been carried out – including better seats, lighting, and charging points.
The operator has vowed to rebuild the public’s “trust and confidence” / Credit: Avanti West Coast
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has reassured the public that the DfT will “stay in close contact” with Avanti throughout the duration of the new long-term partnership to monitor its performance as it continues its progress to a “sustained recovery” and “increase services over time”.
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Avanti West Coast’s Managing Director, Andy Mellors, admitted that the last year has been “challenging” for the operator as he thanked customers and stakeholders for their “patience” while commenting on the awarding of the new contract.
“There are still challenges ahead,” he added, “but plenty to look forward to”.
Featured Image – Avanti West Coast
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
20th September 2023 
