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Network Rail has appointed Jonathan Crick to join its property division, as commercial director of retail.

Network Rail is inviting a selected list of law firms to tender for a place on its legal panel.

Pedestrians walking towards Bolton-le-Sands level crossing can now do so in safety because Network Rail has built a brand new pavement so they don’t have to walk in the road.

Period 8 of 2012/13: 14 October 2012 - 10 November 2012

Punctuality on the railways reached 88.9% during period 8, according to monthly performance data released today by Network Rail. The data for Britain's train services covers the period from 14 October 2012 - 10 November 2012. This compares to 89.3% for the same period last year. The moving annual average is now at 91.7%.

A host of improvements which are providing a better experience for thousands of passengers at Horsham station every week have been officially unveiled.

Financial highlights of the last six months:

• Revenue was £3,167m compared to £2,997m for the same period last year
• Operating profit was £1,226m compared to £1,227m
• Profit after taxation was £573m compared to £136m
• Capital expenditure – the amount invested in the railway over the period – was £2,064m compared to £2,071m
• Net borrowings were £28,043m compared to £27,200m at 31 March 2012

Michael O’Higgins, former chairman of the Audit Commission and current chairman of The Pensions Regulator, has been appointed to Network Rail’s board as a non-executive director.

Major engineering work will take place in Acton over Christmas as part of the construction of a new train underpass needed to improve rail services in the area. A public information session will be held this month so that local residents can find out more about the Christmas works.