Regional news roundup

Contributions for by far the UK’s most published column by the same author - now in its 43rd year - are most welcome from all sources. Personal observations, society magazines, website printouts and live links, transport group newsletters and media cuttings (with dates, please) are sought to maintain topicality. Please email your contributions direct to hj@howardjohnston.co.uk, or rail@bauermedia.co.uk

Midlands

Princes Risborough: Network Rail has donated 400 yards of track to the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway for its independent line.

Ruddington: Repairs estimated at £30,000 have begun on Bridge 302A on the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) line to East Leake.

Stoke: A bronze statue of Sir Josiah Wedgwood is to be moved to a prime position outside the station as part of the improvement scheme.

Wigston: Electrification of 22 further miles of the Midland Main Line from Kettering was completed during July.

North West

Old Trafford: Manchester United Football Club’s ambition to increase the capacity of its Old Trafford stadium to 90,000 may depend on the creation of a station on the site of the nearby freight terminal, which in turn could be moved to Port Salford or Wigan. Metrolink tram services to Trafford Bar and Wharfside are overloaded on match days.

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