In The News: 22nd July

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Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has today unveiled £12 million of government investment towards a major upgrade to Birmingham’s University Station, ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

It is part of a £56 million project to deliver a larger, modern station and enhanced facilities including more lifts, a ticket office, shop and public toilets.

Making the announcement Chris Heaton-Harris said they are delivering a station that will be a worthy gateway to the Games for athletes and fans alike.

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched an independent review of Transport for London’s future funding and finances, in swift retaliation to the government-imposed inquiry.

That’s according to an article in The Guardian, that writes the review is the latest move in a row between City Hall and Downing Street over the £1.6 billion bailout after TfL fare income collapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Khan said the independent expert panel would conduct a review looking at the longer-term running of London transport, in parallel with the government inquiry.

Bombardier Transportation has announced 100 frontline staff will be joining the team in Derby next month.

The train maker announced last year of plans to take on up to 400 extra staff at Litchurch Lane, with big orders for Greater Anglia, South Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Despite pausing operations for three weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic, it has been revealed the safe restart of operations has gone well and recruitment has been resumed.

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Finally, and rail enthusiasts are being given the chance to buy The Flying Scotsman, although it will be on a slightly reduced scale than that of the original train.

An article on Leicestershire Live writes that Gildings Auctioneers in Market Harborough is giving collectors the chance to own part of a lot featuring more than 70 locomotives in an upcoming Live Steam auction.

The collection forms part of the estate of Kenneth ‘Mike’ Abbott who died last year.

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