Someone had to say it! - Wednesday November 25 2009
Categories: RAILBlog
I considered saying this yesterday, but in the first instance it seemed a tad churlish when the initiative was clearly such a good one – but also, given the hyper-sensitivity of NR top brass to any criticism, I decided to hold off on this one.
But RAIL readers aren’t daft, and one of the first emails which pinged into my inbox this morning was from Peter Risebrow, who hit the nail squarely and resoundingly on its head.
“Amazing what Notwork Rail can really do when they pull their finger out - a week to build a new 2-platform station complete with footbridge, waiting room and car park - normally takes about 10 years and 20 million quid!!!”
Peter has a very good point and I’m sure he and I are not the only ones to have noticed this.
Here’s how the BBC reported it:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8375981.stm
And this was NR’s press release:
http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=4831&NewsAreaID=2
Concrete proof, in a temporary station, that you can slash red tape very rapidly - when you really want to.
Pity it takes a near-biblical fatal flood to prove it though.
Comments
Nov 26, 2009
Kevin, I'm pleased to see you drop by here to keep in touch, and I very much appreciate your comments - until the 'shame on you' which sadly left a sour taste. Can I suggest you read the blog entitled 'network Rail to the rescue' from the day before, where you will find all you seek. Look forward to seeing you again soon - here and in London!
Nov 25, 2009
It's churlish at anytime! Network Rail's Route Director came up with a great idea to help out and the local council cut through all the planning red tape with a temporary 6 month lease for the land. What do you get in a four day build - a 'mechano station' made out of scaffolding poles, planks and a portacabin and hardly DDA compliant - not exactly what you'd want a permanent station to look like. Less moaning more cheering that a least the railway is working even when the road system falls apart, as is usually the case when extreme weather strikes. Shame on you