Network Rail urges former professional signallers across Harborough and Leicestershire to help them out urgently

Network Rail is urging former professional signallers across Harborough and Leicestershire to help them out urgently.

The national rail system operator has issued the SoS in an attempt to make sure the railways can continue running during the coronavirus crisis.

Network Rail is working hard to keep signal boxes and control centres across the East Midlands open 24/7.

This allows key workers such as doctors and nurses to continue travelling to work and means vital food and medical supplies can be ferried across the country on freight services.

Signallers are crucial because they make sure the railway operates safely and allow trains to run.

Network Rail is appealing for retired signallers, or those who have switched careers in the railway industry, to fill roles in the East Midlands Control Centre and at signal boxes in the region.

Network Rail said the railways are currently performing well.

But the pivotal rail company said it’s vital to prepare for the next few weeks.

And former signallers can provide critical cover if members of the workforce are forced to self-isolate as the emergency deepens.

Chris Gee, Head of Operations (Eastern region) for Network Rail, said: “We are working hard to keep vital services in place as these get key workers to their jobs and keep food and medical supplies across the country moving.

“We are appealing for signallers who’ve retired, moved on to other careers at Network Rail or left the railway to come back and help us keep signal boxes and control centres open.”

He added: “Signallers are crucial to keep the railway open.

“We need more former workers to help us provide back-up if some of our staff can’t come to work.

“Full re-training will be given.”

If you are a former professional signaller and you’d like to help keep the railways on track then please email [email protected]