Network Rail has announced that it is piloting a new way to keep people who live next to the railways in parts of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire better informed about upcoming work that might affect them.

Network Rail is undertaking the biggest programme of improvements to the Midland Mainline since its completion in 1870, electrifying the line in sections over the next few years to allow electric trains to run along the line. Electric trains are better for the environment, and are quieter, so will cause less disturbance to people living near tracks.

The route from London to Corby has been upgraded and electrified, and the next phase of the programme involves carrying out work on the section from Kettering to Wigston.

This month, the programme team is sending paper work notification calendars to lineside neighbours, giving details of upcoming work in the Kettering and Wigston areas. The calendars will be accompanied by a letter, providing details on how to sign up to receive future calendars digitally and how to access a new interactive map.

To sign up for alerts on the programme visit this web page.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor, said: “Cutting carbon emissions is a key aim of the Midland Main Line electrification programme, and by sending notifications by email, we’ll be helping to reduce waste and save energy.

“Our new digital notification system will help us provide residents with accessible, clearer, accurate information in a timely way.

“Although people can still choose to receive their notifications by post, we’re hopeful that most will sign up to the digital mailing list.”