UK MP Calls For London Rail Line to be Closed

A UK MP has called for the railway line from Norwich to London to be closed for six months and overhauled completely.

Dr Ian Gibson was reacting to delays caused yesterday when a problem prevented level crossing gates from closing.

The MP for Norwich North said the shutdown would be the best way of solving the myriad of problems before the main line suffered a catastrophic failure.

Trains were cancelled and delayed at lunchtime yesterday after a lineside telephone failure left two crossings at Stowmarket, in Suffolk, open permanently.

Instead of stopping trains running through the crossings either side of the station, train drivers were told to slow down to a few miles an hour and wait until the crossings were clear.

Network Rail said the problem was fixed soon after it was reported and there had been no danger to motorists or passengers. A spokeswoman said Dr Gibson's suggestions were interesting but “not practical”, a view echoed by train operator One Railway.