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Commuters warned heatwave will cause ‘rail delays’ across the North West

Network Rail says journeys are expected to take "significantly longer".

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 15th July 2022

Rail commuters across Greater Manchester and the North West are being warned that the UK heatwave will most likely cause train delays.

Network Rail has issued a statement all those who travel by trail to only make journeys that are “absolutely necessary” during the potentially record-breaking hot temperatures that are forecast to hit large parts of the UK from Monday 18 July.

The warning comes after the Met Office has today issued a Red weather warning for extreme heat in the east of England, the Midlands and parts of the North West on Monday and Tuesday for the first time in UK history – with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 40°C in some areas.

An amber warning for heat is also in place across the rest of England, Wales, and some parts of southern Scotland.

The currently0forecasted temperatures will see the introduction of speed restrictions on railway lines across the country to ensure the safe running of trains, Network Rail has confirmed, and although the impact on train services will vary by region, journeys are expected to take “significantly longer”.

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There is also said to be a “high likelihood” of cancellations, delays, and last-minute alterations to services across the North West.

Read more: Met Office issues the UK’s first ever Red warning for ‘extreme heat’

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Network Rail says that passengers who choose to travel despite the warning are being advised to check the status of their journey before travelling, and should make sure that they are well-prepared for the extreme conditions.

The rail provider is advising that people wear cool clothes, take handheld fans, and ensure they have plenty of water to drink.

Vulnerable passengers and those with health conditions should avoid train travel.

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The Met Office has issued a Red warning for extreme heat for the first time ever in the UK on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July / Credit: Met Office

“There will be delays and cancellations to train services due to the unprecedented heat we’re expecting,” said Jake Kelly – Group Director at Network Rail’s System Operator.

“The wellbeing of our passengers is our first priority so we’re asking all passengers who decide to travel to take time to prepare before leaving the house.

“Journeys will take significantly longer and delays are likely as speed restrictions are introduced to keep passengers and railway staff safe, so make sure to allow considerably more time to complete your journey and be prepared for very hot conditions [but] we’re working closely to monitor forecasts and adapt our plans, and with our train operator colleagues to make sure we can get passengers who need to travel to their destinations safely.”

Passengers are advised to check before they travel next week at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their direct train operators.

Featured Image – Network Rail

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Family pay tribute to ‘larger than life’ biker after fatal Wigan crash

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Leslie Baron was one of two victims of a crash in Wigan. Credit: GMP

The family of the second victim of a crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.

Leslie Baron, 56, had been the passenger on a motorbike when it was involved in a road traffic collision with a car.

Both Leslie and the rider – 21-year-old Lewis Durham – were unseated and suffered serious injuries.

Lewis tragically died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services, while Leslie passed away several hours later in hospital.

Leslie’s family have now issued a tribute to him, describing him as a ‘larger-than-life character’ who loved his dogs, biking and golf.

His family also praised the hospital staff who cared for him in his final hours.

They said: “It is with a heavy heart that we write this message in tribute to Leslie Baron, known to us as “Lez”. He was a much-loved brother, uncle, and a friend to many.

“We would firstly like to thank the emergency services and the members of the public for all their efforts in helping him at the scene of the collision. We extend our praise to the hospital staff at Aintree Hospital also.

“Lez was a larger-than-life character who loved his dogs, riding his motorbike, and playing golf. He would do anything for anyone. He will be missed deeply by us all.

“May he rest in peace; we will love you always.”

The crash occurred on Ormskirk Road in Wigan shortly after 7.15pm on Saturday 13 April, at the junction with Billinge Road.

The driver of the car involved, a 41-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving. He has since been released on bail.

Lewis Durham tributes Wigan death
Lewis Durham, who was also killed in the collision in Wigan. Credit: GMP

Lewis’s family yesterday issued the below tribute to him, the second victim of the fatal crash in Wigan.

“It is with great sadness that Lewis has been so tragically taken away from us. He sadly passed away in a road traffic accident in Wigan on Saturday 13th April.

“The youngest in our family with the world at his feet. He’s left a huge hole in our family, our hearts are absolutely broken. He was always a happy, fun-loving character, who had everything going for him in life, loved by everyone and had the best of friends. A loving son, grandson, and little brother.

“We’d like to thank the emergency services and people who assisted him at the scene who comforted him in maybe his last moments. We’ll cherish every memory we have of you, Lewis.

“We’re all beyond proud of you and will miss and love you forever. You’re now the brightest star in the sky Lewis. Love you forever and always Mam, Dad, Grandma, Granda, Nana, and your two big sisters.”

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Featured image: GMP

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Classical music will be played at Northern train stations to ‘deter anti-social behaviour’

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Classical music is to be played at dozens of train stations across the North in a bid to “deter anti-social behaviour”.

It may not be the first tactic you’d think of if you were trying to ward off trouble and prevent it from happening again in the future, but after a successful trial was conducted at 35 train stations in Greater Manchester and across the North back in 2022, Northern has now announced that “classical music is here to stay”.

After noticing a rise in incidents of anti-social behaviour, the train operator orchestrated a plan to play music inspired by the likes of Beethoven, Mozart, and Handel at nine stations.

Following this, it was then introduced at another 26 stations last year.

As part of the trial aimed at “preventing loitering, vandalism, and graffiti”, the teams at the participating stations would play the classical music at certain times of the day that were identified or often associated with incidents of anti-social behaviour, but would make sure to control the volume so it didn’t disturb local residents.

Classical music will be played at Northern train stations to ‘deter anti-social behaviour’ / Credit: Northern

During the initial trial, the music was played at stations in Billingham, Shildon, Heighington, North Road, Orrell, Keighley, Hyde North, Ilkley, and Newton Aycliffe.

The following year, it was rolled out at Beverley, Birchwood, Bryn, Cottingham, Cross Gates, Fitzwilliam, Flimby, Halewood, Haltwhistle, Hattersley, Levenshulme, Lostock Gralam, Maryport, Mill Hill, Newton for Hyde, Penistone, Rainhill, Sowerby Bridge, Sunderland, Ulverston, Wetheral, Whiston, Nunthorpe, Seaton Carew, Stockton, and Seaham.

When the trail proved to be successful, passengers apparently “called for an encore” as they claimed the music made them feel safer at participating stations, because large groups had stopped gathering there on a regular basis to “cause a nuisance” – particularly during the school holidays.

It follows successful trials carried out at 35 stations in 2022 and 2023 / Credit: gov.uk

“We’re pleased to have found an innovative and effective way of deterring anti-social behaviour,” commented Tricia Williams, who is the Chief Operating Officer at Northern.

“Following the successful trial, we will continue playing classical music at these stations and look to introduce it at others in the coming months, as we want all of our customers to feel safe and secure when they travel.

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“This approach, along with other investment we are making, is working well.”

Featured Image – Jonny Walton (via Northern)

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