In The News: 29th April

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HS2 could face a further delay after a judge demanded clarity over plans to build tunnels into central London amid claims that they could cause damage to homes.

That’s according to an article in The Times which says the High Court has ordered the company behind the high-speed line to provide reassurance that the proposals for the route into Euston are safe.

HS2 Ltd said it strongly dispute any suggestion that the current designs pose any threat to the structural integrity of the retaining wall at Park Village East.

Unions say payouts for bereaved NHS families should go to all key workers.

That’s according to an article in the Times which features comments from Unite calling for the families of transport workers who have died after suffering COVID-19 to be entitled to £60,000.

When announcing the payment, health secretary Matt Hancock said they were looking at which other groups of key workers had suffered and did not have a scheme already in place.

Sticking with Coronavirus and a survey conducted by the Rail Freight Group of its members has highlighted the current challenges facing those across the rail freight sector, but also offers hope that the recovery may not be as protracted as feared.

Over half have closed parts of their business or expected to close soon.

However nearly half expected their businesses to recover this year, with 38% predicting it could take more than six months.

Finally, and several of the papers are reporting the news that Great Western Railway is naming one of its train after veteran fundraiser Captain Tom Moore to mark his 100th birthday tomorrow.

Captain Tom, who has raised more than £29 million for the NHS by walking laps of his garden, will have his name on GWR’s Intercity Express Train 800025.

Photo credit: Network Rail

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