Statstics published today by the Department of transport confirm that in 2005 Northern Rail cancelled 12,884 train services.   That's 35 cancellations every day.    Unbelievable.

Until you hear the reason for the delay.   In 2,179 cases they cited "Acts of God".   Folks, it's 2006 and I think they should be able to come up with a better reason and anyway, what defines "Acts of God"?

A DoT spokesman could not offer an explanation, other that to make it clear that Railway companies failing to meet their contractual standards were fined.   In a rare moment of candour (for a civil servant at least) he said:  "They don't get let off because God did it".

That's a comfort.   When you're standing on the platform waiting for the 5.45 to hell and it's minus 2 and blowing a gale.

 

Hastings has the honour of giving the world Siobhan Blake, at 11 the youngest girl to receive an order, for behaviour that included violence, spitting, hurling eggs and stones, and rampaging through gardens. She claims to be a reformed character… sort of. "I have a sip of Dad's Stella when ...   more »