During the current pandemic, former or retired signallers in the Wales and Border route area are now being called upon by Network Rail to aid the railway’s movement.

In order to keep signal boxes and control centres operational, Network Rail is having to work around the clock.

In doing so, they are allowing those who cant work from home to get to their place of work. Along with this, they are also keeping freight services running which helps to deliver essential goods such as medical supplies and food to hospitals and supermarkets.

There has been no limit placed on potential returning signallers to how long ago they worked the role. Which means that even signallers who haven’t worked this role in 10-15 years can still return as there will be appropriate accelerated refresher training provided.

Network Rail is also interested in hearing from former signallers who may have worked on preserved railways as well as former railway colleagues who do not have direct signaller experience but who can still have the skill set and experience that can be useful during this time.

In the first instance, those who would like to express and interest are kindly asked to email Network Rail directly [email protected], briefly outlining their experience.

What did the officials have to say?

Bill Kelly, route director for Network Rail, Wales and Borders, said:

“Keeping our passengers, customers and colleagues safe and the efficient running of the railway are key aspects to Network Rail at all times and this has never been more true than now.

“Network Rail, throughout this pandemic, has maintained a safe and reliable network across the Wales and Borders route, and indeed across the whole country, and we plan to continue to do so, which is why we are planning for all scenarios.

“Having a strong team of signallers to cover signal boxes and panels on the Wales and Borders route is essential for the whole of Britain. It keeps trains moving so that fuel reaches our powers stations, goods reaches our shops and supermarkets, military equipment is relocated for strategic needs, such as helping to build the London Nightingale Hospital and, crucially, key workers are able to get to work and petrol reaches the pumps.”

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