A major rail development near Stafford is on track after workers built a siding on the existing West Coast main line so materials can be delivered by train.

Motorists are advised that Hill Street in the city centre will be operating a one way system from Sunday 17 May to allow for essential highways work as part of the final stages of the Birmingham New Street station redevelopment.

Commenting on today's RMT ballot results, Mark Carne, Network Rail chief executive, said: "The railways are a vital public service and industrial action would have a massive impact on millions of passengers as well as freight distribution across Britain. It cannot be right that the unions can hold the country to ransom in this way.

Network Rail is urging all pedestrians, motorists and cyclists using level crossings between Marlow and Bourne End of the need to take care at level crossings, as a new timetable comes into effect on 17 and 18 May.

Passengers at Reading station will soon experience a brighter start to their day after volunteers from Network Rail, Kew Gardens and the University of Reading used their free time to create a wild flower garden and wildlife haven by the station’s multi-storey car park.

A hard-hitting film released by Network Rail reminds young people of the need to always remain alert when near the railway.

Network Rail is now satisfied that West Coast Railways have addressed all of the actions set out in the suspension notice that took effect on Friday 3 April.

Two of four bridges over the railway between Bolton and Chorley which are being rebuilt as part of the electrification of the railway will reopen ahead of schedule.