Network Rail to take to the road

Network Rail (NR) is to build a road haulage distribution centre on the site of a former Peugeot car plant, creating 100 jobs.

The £25 million (€19 million) centre at Ryton in the West Midlands will be a “significant hub” for NR’s national delivery service.

Martin Elwood of NR said: “Network Rail’s first preference is to transport goods by rail. This is not always the right solution so we have an extensive road fleet to transport goods and equipment to our work sites and depots.

“By bringing the logistics for this together at Ryton, we can offer a more effective and efficient service for Network Rail.

“This will mean reduced costs and faster turnaround times when we do work on the railway.”

The former Peugeot plant, which was closed in 2006, originally produced aircraft engines during World War II.

Bob Crow, leader of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, welcomed the announcement, adding: “It’s a glimmer of positive news in the transport industry in a week overshadowed by the chaos on the West Coast main line.”

Transport for London announced that it will begin recruiting up to 100 graduate trainees in areas including engineering, project management, technical and corporate roles from tomorrow.

TfL said the new jobs have been made available as it continues its huge upgrade of London’s transport network.

Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy said: “TfL, along with the mayor and our suppliers, are all committed to offering fantastic opportunities both on our graduate and apprenticeship schemes.

“The transport industry needs highly motivated recruits and we can offer a long and fulfilling career with world class training.”