Leader asks for assurance on rail improvements

Councillor Neil Bannister, Leader of Harborough District Council, has written to Network Rail regarding the Market Harborough Line Speed Improvement Scheme after construction firm Carillion, which is carrying out the work on behalf of Network Rail, went into liquidation.

Cllr Bannister has raised concerns that much-needed improvements to Market Harborough railway station could be delayed, or potentially cancelled, and has asked for assurances that the project will continue as hoped.

He said in the letter: “Clearly the work to the station is very important to the local residents and I would like to ensure that they have a clear understanding of the impact of this situation.”

In a response Network Rail said it was unable to comment on specific projects being delivered for Network Rail, but said the wages of employees of Carillion Construction Limited working on projects would be guaranteed until at least mid-April 2018.

A spokesman for Network Rail said in a response to Cllr Bannister that: “Network Rail and PwC [the Official Receiver’s special managers] are working closely together in order to minimise the impact the liquidation of Carillion has on projects which form part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.”

Cllr Bannister said he will continue to liaise with Network Rail to ensure the Council and public are kept fully up-to-date with project developments.