Plans to fix the ‘broken’ rail system across the UK and deliver reliable services for all have been set out by the Government.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is aiming to ‘rewire Britain’s railways’ with the introduction of its landmark bill unveiled by the Government yesterday (18 February), most notably including the setting up of a powerful passenger watchdog to reform Great British Railways (GBR), give passengers a voice, and hold train operators to account.
The creation of the new watchdog is described as being a ‘once in a generation overhaul’.
Its establishment should bring track and train together, end ‘major failures’, and deliver reliable services for passengers, all while catalysing growth across the country, the DfT assures.
The Railways Bill is set to deliver a once in a generation overhaul of Britain's railways.
But what will it actually do, and what does this mean for passengers?
It will also give devolved leaders more of a say on the services that directly impact their towns and cities, and work together to integrate transport, ultimately making it simpler to travel and attracting more people to our railways.
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The new independent watchdog will be tasked with ensuring GBR addresses the issues that consistently rank highest in passenger complaints to ensure the public are given clear information when they travel.
Working with the Transport Secretary and GBR, the watchdog will also be given the powers to set clear standards for passengers on things like journey information and assistance, investigate persistent problems, and publish reports on poor service – before referring this to the railway regulator for enforcement action.
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The Government has set out plans to fix the UK’s ‘broken’ rail system and deliver reliable services / Credit: Network Rail
A public consultation on the plans has also been launched this week, giving the Government a chance to hear Brits’ views on putting an end to ‘outdated and inefficient processes’ which have resulted in poor performance, timetable chaos, and complex fares and ticketing over the years.
“Passengers have put up with broken railways for far too long,” insisted Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
“This landmark reform will sweep away decades of failure, creating a Great British Railways passengers can rely on.
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“We’re giving passengers a powerful voice with a new watchdog dedicated to addressing their biggest concerns, building railways people can trust, improving our services, and boosting the economy in the process.”
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
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Police appeal after Rochdale woman, 75, was burgled by man in clown outfit on Halloween
Emily Sergeant
An appeal for information has been made following reports of a burglary in Rochdale last week on Halloween.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that at around 7:10pm on Halloween (Friday 31 October), a woman on Birch Road in Rochdale answered the door to a man – who is believed to have been dressed in a clown outfit – and he proceeded to ask for a drink before following the woman into her address and stealing several items, then running away.
He took a red purse with the woman’s mother’s wedding ring inside of it – which is said to be of ‘extremely’ sentimental value.
Police say the man may have discarded the ring once he left the victim’s address, but he did use one of her stolen cards at a shop later that evening.
Birch Road in Rochdale, where the shocking incident happened / Credit: Google Maps
Thankfully, the woman – aged 75 – was left unhurt, but she has been left shocked and upset by the incident.
“This was a shocking incident, which has left a woman feeling unsafe in her own home,” commented Detective Sergeant Ruth Thompson, from GMP’s Rochdale district.
“She has spent many years helping the homeless and working for local charities, so it is particularly grim that someone would exploit her goodwill.”
#APPEAL | Officers are appealing for information following reports of a burglary in Rochdale on Friday (31 October).
At around 7.10pm that evening on Birch Road, a 75-year-old woman answered the door to a man, who then entered her home.
Investigating officers have now released an image of a man they would like to speak to, alongside the wider public appeal for information, as it’s believed it could help with their enquiries.
DS Thompson added: “While I appreciate the image quality isn’t the greatest, I hope that someone may recognise the costume and it jogs their memory.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police via 101 or using the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3012 of 31/10/25.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Greater Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Dozens of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
People in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 26 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launched this past Saturday (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Mana, Erst, Climat, 10 Tib Lane, Ezra & Gill, Tartuffe, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
The funds raised by StreetSmart in Greater Manchester this year will support the crucial work of organisations such as CentrePoint, which funds Independent Living Advisors for young people, and Real Change Manchester, which plugs into the existing homelessness charities to provide that extra boost of funding that makes all the difference.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2025, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
Emily Sergeant -
19th February 2025 
