A farmer gave some much-appreciated help to Network Rail in an effort to keep trains moving during Storm Corrie.
As 90-mile-per-hour winds buffeted the north of the UK, a 100-foot tree was spotted leaning perilously close to the railway on the West Coast main line in Floriston, Cumbria.
Had it fallen, it would have pulled down overhead lines and blocked the track.
The repercussions would have been serious. Every 24 hours, 46 passenger trains and seven freight trains travel the line – the latter trains moving up to 18,500 tonnes of medical supplies, bananas, pasta, loo roll and other essentials. The next day, many of those goods go straight onto shelves in supermarkets and high street shops.
With the help of a local farmer, the team were able to safely remove the tree and keep passengers on the move.
Garry Cunningham from Network Rail’s off-track team, said: “I’m really pleased my team spotted the risk and were able to act quickly and safely to keep passengers on the move.
“It’s important we identify dangerous trees before they damage railway infrastructure, particularly now we are seeing more extreme weather like the recent high winds.
“I’d also like to thank the farmer for kindly offering his tractor and winch to help safely remove the tree. We really appreciate the assistance!”
To read more about how Network Rail is combating adverse weather click here.
