Media centre

Wednesday 3 May 2006

RAILWAY VETERAN DEPARTS FROM SEVERN TUNNEL

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

It’s all change for Sudbrook Controller Phil Williams as he says a fond farewell to the railway career he has treasured for the past 50 years.   Phil said: “Working at the Severn Tunnel has been a wonderful experience and I have many fond memories.  I have been very fortunate to work in such amazing surroundings for the past 35 years.  This is a very special place and I am very proud to have been a part of it for this length of time.” Phil started his career on the railway at the age of 15 as an engine cleaner at Severn Tunnel Junction.  A year later he became a station fireman at Severn Tunnel Junction, Lydney and Didcot Parkway.  In 1971 Phil transferred to Sudbrook Pumping Station as a Tradesman Assistant with his final post coming up five years later as a Control Room Attendant at the Severn Tunnel. Andy Wozencraft, Infrastructure Maintenance Manager for Network Rail, said: “Phil has made an invaluable contribution to the railway, providing a safe, efficient and reliable journey for all passengers travelling through the tunnel.  I would like to congratulate Phil for his hard work and commitment and wish him all the best in his retirement.” The Severn Tunnel is a Victorian masterpiece that took 13 years to build.  Its maintenance and operation is a huge task with 20 million gallons of water being pumped from the tunnel on a daily basis.  On an average weekday 175 trains pass through the 4 mile long tunnel, carrying thousands of passengers; many who are unaware of the tunnels day to day operation to ensure their safety. Monmouth MP David Davies paid special tribute to the Severn Tunnel last week after going underground to view the structure.  Mr Davies said: “This is one of the most fascinating visits which I have undertaken in seven years of representing Monmouthshire.”