The drivers’ union ASLEF has called new strikes in England early next month. The union’s general secretary Mick Whelan said: ‘Our pay deals at these companies ran out in 2019. Train drivers at these TOCs have not had an increase in salary for five years. That is completely wrong’. The Rail Delivery Group said industrial action was ‘unnecessary’ and that it will continue to seek ‘a fair agreement’

Trains are running again on the Cumbrian Coast Line between Lancaster and Barrow-in Furness, after a derailment at Grange-over-Sands blocked the track on 22 March. No-one was hurt, but a six coach Northern train had to be removed by crane. Network Rail is continuing to work with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to discover the cause of a void in the ground which was discovered near the site of the derailment.