NETWORK Rail is calling on former or retired signallers in the South West to help keep the railway moving during the coronavirus event.

The company is working around the clock to keeping signal boxes and control centres operational.

It allows passengers who cannot work from home to get to work and keeps freight services on the move, delivering important goods such as medical supplies and food to hospitals and supermarkets.

For returning signallers, there is no limit on how long ago they may have worked in that role as appropriate accelerated refresher training will be provided.

Network Rail is also interested in hearing from former signallers who have worked on preserved railways, in addition to those former staff who do not have direct signaller experience.

Mike Gallop, route director for Network Rail, Western, 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 Western 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 Western route is essential for the whole of Britain.

"It keeps trains moving so that fuel reaches our power stations, goods reach 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.”

Anyone interested should e-mail MediaRelationsWestern@NetworkRail.co.uk briefly outlining their experience.