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153 people have been involved in slips, trips or falls at stations across the Thames Valley in 2011/12 – the majority at Paddington station (53) - so Network Rail is urging passengers to watch their step in the run up to Christmas.

Network Rail has awarded two contracts for works in west London that will deliver important infrastructure improvements for the Crossrail programme, allowing greater numbers of passenger and freight trains to run more reliably once the new rail link opens in 2018.

Cutting-edge camera technology has been introduced by Network Rail and the British Transport Police to crack down on level crossing law-breakers and change drivers’ behaviour across the Thames Valley.

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.

Network Rail has seen 18 of its former apprentices graduate from Sheffield Hallam University with higher national certificates (HNC) in railway engineering – the first to do so following a decision to support the best and brightest by providing the opportunity to continue their learning and gain additional qualifications in their specialist field.

Work has begun on replacing four bridges in Slough and Hillingdon in preparation for the new electric Crossrail trains. Starting in 2018, Crossrail will provide a high-frequency rail service for passengers wanting to travel into central London, over to Maidenhead or through to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

Work is to commence this week on a £5.1m project to improve Llandudno Station in North Wales. Mark Langman, Network Rail’s Wales route managing director, said: “This very important project to enhance Llandudno station will regenerate and revitalise this area of the town."