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Passengers are being advised to plan their journeys in advance as the next phase of the major work to upgrade the line between Preston and Blackpool gets under way in January.

• Network Rail reports further strong retail sales growth for July-September 2016
• Like-for-like station retail sales have risen for 18th successive quarter
• Nationally, 31% of station users – over 64 million people - visited a station retailer in the quarter

Manchester’s famous Christmas markets are underway and with the number of visitors to the city set to increase over the festive season, Network Rail is urging passengers to plan their journeys and allow more time to catch their trains at Manchester’s stations.

Network Rail is urging parents to warn their children about the risk of playing near or misusing level crossings.

An iconic railway viaduct which carries vital passenger and freight services through Lancashire is being strengthened thanks to a £1.6m investment by Network Rail.

Birmingham New Street saw a record number of people using the station last weekend as the city's Christmas market kicked off the festive season.

• Latest segment of Britain’s Railway Upgrade Plan - delivered on time and on budget 
• Scheme conceived by Chiltern Railways based on its customers’ wishes - then delivered by Network Rail
• Historic: first new rail link between London and a major city for more than 100 years

Network Rail has closed the footpath level crossing at Stone station after repeated incidents of dangerous misuse were revealed.