News Archive January - February 2012 Back to News Archive
National Network
Cambridge's new Island Platform - make sure you're prepared!
I used the new island platform at Cambridge for the first time on January 7th, when the 12:15 King's Cross to Cambridge ended its journey on platform 7. The new platform won't be popular with users, as there are no retail or catering facilities at all. The passage over the tracks is floored in an attractive light-coloured marble: the guard on our train told me it's a death trap in wet weather! (Thanks to Mike Handscomb)
Severe disruption on the Norwich to London train services.(EDP 28 December 2011)
Commuters are facing severe disruption today as no train from Norwich to London will leave until past 3.30pm.
The 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm services were and have been cancelled due to power line damage near London.
Network rail say the cause of the damage is unknown but not suspicious. Power had to be cut while engineers fixed the problem and their solution to freeing up the timetable was to cancel trains.
A National Express East Anglia spokesman said: “Train services suffered delays and cancellations from 11am because of overhead power line defect in Forest Gate. This was rectified by early afternoon. We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience caused.”
Abellio outlines plans for East Anglia’s rail services (EDP 14 December 2011)
Don’t expect miracles – that was the message as the new company set to take over East Anglia’s rail services outlined its plans for the new franchise.
Dutch-based Abellio take over the region’s trains on February 5 next year and will operate them under the “Greater Anglia” banner.
But the new franchise will only last 29 months – and bosses warned yesterday that there was a limit to what they could do.
They could not offer any commitment to speeding up the service between the capital and the region – the “Norwich in 90” campaign will not be successful during the next franchise period.
But it does aim to improve customer service. All staff dealing with passengers will be issued with iPhones or Blackberrys to keep them up to date with what is happening.
And the company aims to tell regular customers who sign up for alerts of any problems through e-mails and texts direct to their phones.
When it takes over the services, Abellio will be responsible for 141 stations and it does plan to embark on an improvement programme across the region.
Ruud Haket, Abellio’s transition director who masterminded the successful franchise bid, said the 29-month franchise would certainly lead to a bid to take over the 15-year franchise that is due to start in the middle of 2014.
Mr Haket said: “We will not be able to change the timetable, not until December 2013 anyway, and we cannot bring in new trains during this short franchise.
“But we will be looking to bid for the long franchise and if we succeed with that then we would look for major investment in the long-term.”
One difference passengers should notice in the near future is the state of the trains – once Abellio has taken over the service it plans to deep-clean all its carriages before the Olympics.
The government is looking at the way the industry is run in the light of the McNulty Report into the railways – and this could introduce major changes when the long-term franchise is awarded starting in 2014.
One possible change could be the introduction of differential pricing on some trains from Ipswich to London – similar to that which existed when Great Eastern and Anglia Railways were in competition during the early years of this decade.
In the meantime Abellio will be looking at ways of offering discounts to attract new off-peak passengers.
Head of customer services David Taylor said the company had introduced innovative discounts on the Merseyrail and Northern Rail services that it runs – and could bring some of those lessons to this region.
The company would start preparing its long-term franchise bid within a year of taking over the franchise. The 15-year deal will allow new trains to be ordered and deciding what should be brought in will be a key element of that bid.
Mr Haket said that could involve renewing the existing carriages with new locomotives – or introducing new “outer suburban” electric units on the line.
However that was not something the company was able to consider at present.
East Midlands Trains - Lowest Fare Rises?
On 20 December EMT announced fare rises they claim are 0.2% lower than the UK average. Of local note EMT say they are offering “even more discounted tickets on the popular Liverpool – Norwich route”. They also promise more seats on the busy Liverpool to Norwich services. Improved passenger information will be provided through the launch of a new Twitter service, extra train running information screens and additional help points.
Trying their website on 30 December to book a return journey from Norwich to Peterborough on 26 January 2012, an off peak return cost £22 (up £1.20) and anytime return £29 (up £1.50). However booking in advance on specific services and purchasing two single tickets a return journey could be had for as little as £9.
Heritage, Narrow-gauge and Miniature
Mid Norfolk Railway - Emergency Appeal
The MNR has launched an emergency appeal for donation to secure undercover accommodation for up to four vehicles. This is particularly urgent given the owning groups of the two steam locomotives which will be operating throughout the season have specified such accommodation for their machines. for more information see http://www.mnr.org.uk/appeal
Race to rebuild 'J15' ready for its '100' next year
Can it possibly be done? The race has started to get Great Eastern 'JI5' No. 65462 through a likely £200,000 overhaul to get it back into steam for its 100th birthday in 2012. The immensely popular Worsdell 0-6-0 went out in a blaze of glory at the North Norfolk Railway on Saturday October I by performing four round-trips between Sheringham and Holt with just the line's restored Wisbech & Upwell saloon (see pages 42-43) and LNER pigeon van in tow. When the engine coasted into Weybourne shed just before 6pm and had its fire dropped for the last time, it dawned on M&GN Society members that they faced a massive task ahead to fully dismantle the engine ready for its ten-yearly inspection and rebuild. "The 'JI5' is just tired, but we are already organising its overhaul by trying to get the contractor sorted," said Society Chairman Geoff Gowing. "We are not too worried at this stage, because the boiler is in relatively good condition as sections of it were completely replaced ten years ago. The frames were well repaired by [Morpeth engineer] Ian Storey, and the tender is also basically sound. When complete, the 'JI5' is likely to run in LNER black livery as No. 7564 for a time. February 12 2012 is the actual 100th birthday of No. 65462, which is a product of Stratford Works. It has made some remarkable journeys since its last return to steam in 2002, including visits to Beamish Museum to be lined up for the very first time with similar North Eastern Worsdell 'J21' 0-6-0 No. 65033, and has also been to the West Somerset Railway and Barrow Hill Roundhouse, as well as more familiar locations such as Whitemoor yard (March) for an open day, and the Mid-Suffolk Railway. (Steam Railway (Oct 14 - Nov 10) - Thanks to Mike Handscomb)
Wisbech line severing 'no problem', says Bramley group
The Bramley Line Heritage Railway Trust says there is no cause for concern for the future of the Wisbech-March route, even though Network Rail has effectively cut it in half by lifting the rails at its most important level crossing. Vice-President Brian Bayliss told Steam Railway that the national infrastructure owner has promised to re-Iay the metals over the A47 Wisbech southern bypass, which it took up in mid-September because of the poor state of the road surface. This is the second time this has happened. He says the reinstatement will take place free of charge if and when a lease is secured on the surviving section of the former Great Eastern March-King's Lynn branch, which has been mothballed since the end of regular freight traffic ten years ago. However, a five-figure sum has been quoted for legal fees. Meanwhile, volunteers are clearing a site at Waldersea, on the outskirts of Wisbech, to create an operating headquarters, and the first secure building has arrived. Rolling stock has also reportedly been promised.
Whitwell and Reepham Station has big plans for new year (EDP 28 December 2011)
The Whitwell and Reepham Station, in Whitwell Road, Reepham, near Aylsham, includes a genuine London underground carriage, an original metal railway bridge museum, restaurant and shop, as well as other attractions.
Before the site was reopened for visitors on February 28, 2009 – exactly 50 years after the station was closed for passengers – the area was derelict. The Whitwell and Reepham station has now grown in size and popularity and is viewed by many as a historic tourist destination in the county. Work on the underground carriage, which was donated this year, will start in the new year and the aim is for it to be transformed into a museum of underground train travel. The metal railway bridge, which used to stand at North Woolwich Station, was donated by Cross Rail in London. Plans are in place to erect the bridge at the station next year. Points, buffers and lengths of sliding were also donated by Hansons, of Whittlesey. The Whitwell and Reepham Station has also worked with other historic rail sites, which has allowed them to share resources.
A biomass boiler in the engine shed, which burns woodchip to heat radiators and water, has also established an environmentally friendly way of warming up the station. Richard Bailey, operations manager, said: “The boiler is such a significant step in the station’s development, as it allows us to work on our engine stock all year round and not just in the warmer months.” It was bought after the station received a £70,000 grant from the Low Carbon Community Challenge.
Events carried out at the attraction this year included Reepham firefighters using the carriages for smoke and fire training exercises. It has also hosted a steam rally, two beer festivals and Santa runs.
Next year, many refurbishment projects will be under way at the site and special celebrations will be held for the station’s third anniversary. An Easter egg hunt, exhibitions, music festivals, beer festivals, a 1940s weekend and a two-day steam rally will also be held.
All aboard for the Santa Special at Dereham (EDP 24 December 2011)
There were smiles and waves as dozens of children and adults were given a ride on the Santa Special train on the Mid Norfolk Railway on Friday 23 December.
Dereham and District Round Table used some of the thousands of pounds it collects from its sleigh collections to hire a carriage for more than 60 disadvantaged and vulnerable people of all ages on the pre-Christmas journey from Dereham to Wymondham.
Members liaised with Mencap, Autism Anglia, Dereham Cancer Care and SNAP (Special Needs And Parents) to find those deserving of the festive treat.
Since early December, a team of about 20 Tablers and other volunteers have covered about 500 miles in Dereham and surrounding villages and by the time they have counted up all the money, they hope to have raised about £5000.
Mark Older, community service liaison officer said: “As every year the response has been fantastic. Times are tough but the generosity has been amazing.”
Away from the Tracks
Norfolk metal theft hot-spots revealed as police pledge to crack down on criminals (EDP 22 December 2011)
Norfolk police have vowed to get even tougher on thieves who steal metal next year, after figures revealed there have been more than 2,200 such crimes in the county over the past three and a half years.
As prices for scrap metal soar, new statistics revealed more than £150,000 of copper, lead and stainless steel was snatched in the five biggest metal thefts in Norfolk this year.
And Downham Market, in the west of the county, is one of the hotspots for the thefts.
While a police operation in the summer – part of the ongoing Operation Radar police operation set up to tackle rogue traders and bogus callers – has helped prevent the number of metal thefts in Norfolk soaring as much as in other parts of the country, police said 2012 would see them further step up efforts to clamp down on the criminals.
Det Sgt Pete Jessop, who heads up Operation Radar, said: “When we first started up Operation Radar in 2008, metal theft was a problem and then the value of metal dipped so it did not happen so much.
“But the value has shot up again and it’s at the stage now where they will take anything, from copper overflow pipes from toilets to door knockers.”
According to figures revealed using the Freedom of Information Act there were 2,224 metal theft crimes in Norfolk between August 2008 and November this year.
The biggest haul criminals stole this year was £37,000 worth of copper, taken from a copper suppliers in Hellesdon Park Road in Norwich in March.
Just over £30,000 worth of copper was taken from St Stephens Road in Norwich in September, £30,000 worth of lead from Little Melton in October and £30,000 of stainless steel rig components from Murrayfield Road in Norwich in July.
Rounding off the biggest five thefts was £26,000 worth of copper snatched from Great Hockham in September.
The metal theft hotspots were also revealed through the Freedom of Information Act request. The area with the most thefts this year was the sector in Norwich known as West Centre, which takes in the area within the city’s outer ring road from Ipswich Road in the south, around to the River Wensum near Barker Street in the north.
There were 57 thefts in that area, with the other hot-spots revealed as Downham Market (48), East Dereham (41), Mile Cross, Catton and Fiddlewood (40) and Terrington (38).
The police’s Operation Radar, which included a crackdown in June, targeted rogue traders, bogus callers and scrap metal thieves.
Almost 4,000 vehicles on Norfolk’s roads were stopped and searched to see if they were carrying any scrap metal, while Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) visited scrap yards to make sure they were aware of the law and to urge them to contract police about suspicious attempts to sell metal.
Mr Jessop said: “When we started up I don’t think people realised how big a business scrap metal had become. It really opened our eyes.
“Next year we are looking to get back to basics and really go after the individuals who have done this. With partner agencies, and based on intelligence we get from them and from scrapyards, we will be knocking on the doors of individuals who are involved.
“It’s been said that metal thefts are becoming more of a threat to the country than terrorism. With thefts from railway lines, that really affects the infrastructure of the country and whole villages have lost their phone lines after cable thefts.”
Nationally, metal theft rose by 70pc in the past 12 months but in Norfolk, the increase has been held back to 40pc.
Transport minister Norman Baker recently said new legislation might be required to deal with the “major problem” of cable theft on the railways.
And Mr Jessop agreed it was time for the government to update or replace the ageing Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 to make it harder for criminals who steal metal to sell their stolen wares.
He said: “They are looking at it, but it would be helpful if they moved a bit quicker. If they reduced how much people can receive in cash for scrap metal that would go a long way. “Some of the people we are planning to target next year will have made tens of thousands of pounds a year out of scrap metal and if they had to have that money paid into their bank accounts rather than in cash that would help us.”
Cambridge's new Island Platform - make sure you're prepared!
I used the new island platform at Cambridge for the first time on January 7th, when the 12:15 King's Cross to Cambridge ended its journey on platform 7. The new platform won't be popular with users, as there are no retail or catering facilities at all. The passage over the tracks is floored in an attractive light-coloured marble: the guard on our train told me it's a death trap in wet weather! (Thanks to Mike Handscomb)
Severe disruption on the Norwich to London train services.(EDP 28 December 2011)
Commuters are facing severe disruption today as no train from Norwich to London will leave until past 3.30pm.
The 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm services were and have been cancelled due to power line damage near London.
Network rail say the cause of the damage is unknown but not suspicious. Power had to be cut while engineers fixed the problem and their solution to freeing up the timetable was to cancel trains.
A National Express East Anglia spokesman said: “Train services suffered delays and cancellations from 11am because of overhead power line defect in Forest Gate. This was rectified by early afternoon. We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience caused.”
Abellio outlines plans for East Anglia’s rail services (EDP 14 December 2011)
Don’t expect miracles – that was the message as the new company set to take over East Anglia’s rail services outlined its plans for the new franchise.
Dutch-based Abellio take over the region’s trains on February 5 next year and will operate them under the “Greater Anglia” banner.
But the new franchise will only last 29 months – and bosses warned yesterday that there was a limit to what they could do.
They could not offer any commitment to speeding up the service between the capital and the region – the “Norwich in 90” campaign will not be successful during the next franchise period.
But it does aim to improve customer service. All staff dealing with passengers will be issued with iPhones or Blackberrys to keep them up to date with what is happening.
And the company aims to tell regular customers who sign up for alerts of any problems through e-mails and texts direct to their phones.
When it takes over the services, Abellio will be responsible for 141 stations and it does plan to embark on an improvement programme across the region.
Ruud Haket, Abellio’s transition director who masterminded the successful franchise bid, said the 29-month franchise would certainly lead to a bid to take over the 15-year franchise that is due to start in the middle of 2014.
Mr Haket said: “We will not be able to change the timetable, not until December 2013 anyway, and we cannot bring in new trains during this short franchise.
“But we will be looking to bid for the long franchise and if we succeed with that then we would look for major investment in the long-term.”
One difference passengers should notice in the near future is the state of the trains – once Abellio has taken over the service it plans to deep-clean all its carriages before the Olympics.
The government is looking at the way the industry is run in the light of the McNulty Report into the railways – and this could introduce major changes when the long-term franchise is awarded starting in 2014.
One possible change could be the introduction of differential pricing on some trains from Ipswich to London – similar to that which existed when Great Eastern and Anglia Railways were in competition during the early years of this decade.
In the meantime Abellio will be looking at ways of offering discounts to attract new off-peak passengers.
Head of customer services David Taylor said the company had introduced innovative discounts on the Merseyrail and Northern Rail services that it runs – and could bring some of those lessons to this region.
The company would start preparing its long-term franchise bid within a year of taking over the franchise. The 15-year deal will allow new trains to be ordered and deciding what should be brought in will be a key element of that bid.
Mr Haket said that could involve renewing the existing carriages with new locomotives – or introducing new “outer suburban” electric units on the line.
However that was not something the company was able to consider at present.
East Midlands Trains - Lowest Fare Rises?
On 20 December EMT announced fare rises they claim are 0.2% lower than the UK average. Of local note EMT say they are offering “even more discounted tickets on the popular Liverpool – Norwich route”. They also promise more seats on the busy Liverpool to Norwich services. Improved passenger information will be provided through the launch of a new Twitter service, extra train running information screens and additional help points.
Trying their website on 30 December to book a return journey from Norwich to Peterborough on 26 January 2012, an off peak return cost £22 (up £1.20) and anytime return £29 (up £1.50). However booking in advance on specific services and purchasing two single tickets a return journey could be had for as little as £9.
Heritage, Narrow-gauge and Miniature
Mid Norfolk Railway - Emergency Appeal
The MNR has launched an emergency appeal for donation to secure undercover accommodation for up to four vehicles. This is particularly urgent given the owning groups of the two steam locomotives which will be operating throughout the season have specified such accommodation for their machines. for more information see http://www.mnr.org.uk/appeal
Race to rebuild 'J15' ready for its '100' next year
Can it possibly be done? The race has started to get Great Eastern 'JI5' No. 65462 through a likely £200,000 overhaul to get it back into steam for its 100th birthday in 2012. The immensely popular Worsdell 0-6-0 went out in a blaze of glory at the North Norfolk Railway on Saturday October I by performing four round-trips between Sheringham and Holt with just the line's restored Wisbech & Upwell saloon (see pages 42-43) and LNER pigeon van in tow. When the engine coasted into Weybourne shed just before 6pm and had its fire dropped for the last time, it dawned on M&GN Society members that they faced a massive task ahead to fully dismantle the engine ready for its ten-yearly inspection and rebuild. "The 'JI5' is just tired, but we are already organising its overhaul by trying to get the contractor sorted," said Society Chairman Geoff Gowing. "We are not too worried at this stage, because the boiler is in relatively good condition as sections of it were completely replaced ten years ago. The frames were well repaired by [Morpeth engineer] Ian Storey, and the tender is also basically sound. When complete, the 'JI5' is likely to run in LNER black livery as No. 7564 for a time. February 12 2012 is the actual 100th birthday of No. 65462, which is a product of Stratford Works. It has made some remarkable journeys since its last return to steam in 2002, including visits to Beamish Museum to be lined up for the very first time with similar North Eastern Worsdell 'J21' 0-6-0 No. 65033, and has also been to the West Somerset Railway and Barrow Hill Roundhouse, as well as more familiar locations such as Whitemoor yard (March) for an open day, and the Mid-Suffolk Railway. (Steam Railway (Oct 14 - Nov 10) - Thanks to Mike Handscomb)
Wisbech line severing 'no problem', says Bramley group
The Bramley Line Heritage Railway Trust says there is no cause for concern for the future of the Wisbech-March route, even though Network Rail has effectively cut it in half by lifting the rails at its most important level crossing. Vice-President Brian Bayliss told Steam Railway that the national infrastructure owner has promised to re-Iay the metals over the A47 Wisbech southern bypass, which it took up in mid-September because of the poor state of the road surface. This is the second time this has happened. He says the reinstatement will take place free of charge if and when a lease is secured on the surviving section of the former Great Eastern March-King's Lynn branch, which has been mothballed since the end of regular freight traffic ten years ago. However, a five-figure sum has been quoted for legal fees. Meanwhile, volunteers are clearing a site at Waldersea, on the outskirts of Wisbech, to create an operating headquarters, and the first secure building has arrived. Rolling stock has also reportedly been promised.
Whitwell and Reepham Station has big plans for new year (EDP 28 December 2011)
The Whitwell and Reepham Station, in Whitwell Road, Reepham, near Aylsham, includes a genuine London underground carriage, an original metal railway bridge museum, restaurant and shop, as well as other attractions.
Before the site was reopened for visitors on February 28, 2009 – exactly 50 years after the station was closed for passengers – the area was derelict. The Whitwell and Reepham station has now grown in size and popularity and is viewed by many as a historic tourist destination in the county. Work on the underground carriage, which was donated this year, will start in the new year and the aim is for it to be transformed into a museum of underground train travel. The metal railway bridge, which used to stand at North Woolwich Station, was donated by Cross Rail in London. Plans are in place to erect the bridge at the station next year. Points, buffers and lengths of sliding were also donated by Hansons, of Whittlesey. The Whitwell and Reepham Station has also worked with other historic rail sites, which has allowed them to share resources.
A biomass boiler in the engine shed, which burns woodchip to heat radiators and water, has also established an environmentally friendly way of warming up the station. Richard Bailey, operations manager, said: “The boiler is such a significant step in the station’s development, as it allows us to work on our engine stock all year round and not just in the warmer months.” It was bought after the station received a £70,000 grant from the Low Carbon Community Challenge.
Events carried out at the attraction this year included Reepham firefighters using the carriages for smoke and fire training exercises. It has also hosted a steam rally, two beer festivals and Santa runs.
Next year, many refurbishment projects will be under way at the site and special celebrations will be held for the station’s third anniversary. An Easter egg hunt, exhibitions, music festivals, beer festivals, a 1940s weekend and a two-day steam rally will also be held.
All aboard for the Santa Special at Dereham (EDP 24 December 2011)
There were smiles and waves as dozens of children and adults were given a ride on the Santa Special train on the Mid Norfolk Railway on Friday 23 December.
Dereham and District Round Table used some of the thousands of pounds it collects from its sleigh collections to hire a carriage for more than 60 disadvantaged and vulnerable people of all ages on the pre-Christmas journey from Dereham to Wymondham.
Members liaised with Mencap, Autism Anglia, Dereham Cancer Care and SNAP (Special Needs And Parents) to find those deserving of the festive treat.
Since early December, a team of about 20 Tablers and other volunteers have covered about 500 miles in Dereham and surrounding villages and by the time they have counted up all the money, they hope to have raised about £5000.
Mark Older, community service liaison officer said: “As every year the response has been fantastic. Times are tough but the generosity has been amazing.”
Away from the Tracks
Norfolk metal theft hot-spots revealed as police pledge to crack down on criminals (EDP 22 December 2011)
Norfolk police have vowed to get even tougher on thieves who steal metal next year, after figures revealed there have been more than 2,200 such crimes in the county over the past three and a half years.
As prices for scrap metal soar, new statistics revealed more than £150,000 of copper, lead and stainless steel was snatched in the five biggest metal thefts in Norfolk this year.
And Downham Market, in the west of the county, is one of the hotspots for the thefts.
While a police operation in the summer – part of the ongoing Operation Radar police operation set up to tackle rogue traders and bogus callers – has helped prevent the number of metal thefts in Norfolk soaring as much as in other parts of the country, police said 2012 would see them further step up efforts to clamp down on the criminals.
Det Sgt Pete Jessop, who heads up Operation Radar, said: “When we first started up Operation Radar in 2008, metal theft was a problem and then the value of metal dipped so it did not happen so much.
“But the value has shot up again and it’s at the stage now where they will take anything, from copper overflow pipes from toilets to door knockers.”
According to figures revealed using the Freedom of Information Act there were 2,224 metal theft crimes in Norfolk between August 2008 and November this year.
The biggest haul criminals stole this year was £37,000 worth of copper, taken from a copper suppliers in Hellesdon Park Road in Norwich in March.
Just over £30,000 worth of copper was taken from St Stephens Road in Norwich in September, £30,000 worth of lead from Little Melton in October and £30,000 of stainless steel rig components from Murrayfield Road in Norwich in July.
Rounding off the biggest five thefts was £26,000 worth of copper snatched from Great Hockham in September.
The metal theft hotspots were also revealed through the Freedom of Information Act request. The area with the most thefts this year was the sector in Norwich known as West Centre, which takes in the area within the city’s outer ring road from Ipswich Road in the south, around to the River Wensum near Barker Street in the north.
There were 57 thefts in that area, with the other hot-spots revealed as Downham Market (48), East Dereham (41), Mile Cross, Catton and Fiddlewood (40) and Terrington (38).
The police’s Operation Radar, which included a crackdown in June, targeted rogue traders, bogus callers and scrap metal thieves.
Almost 4,000 vehicles on Norfolk’s roads were stopped and searched to see if they were carrying any scrap metal, while Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) visited scrap yards to make sure they were aware of the law and to urge them to contract police about suspicious attempts to sell metal.
Mr Jessop said: “When we started up I don’t think people realised how big a business scrap metal had become. It really opened our eyes.
“Next year we are looking to get back to basics and really go after the individuals who have done this. With partner agencies, and based on intelligence we get from them and from scrapyards, we will be knocking on the doors of individuals who are involved.
“It’s been said that metal thefts are becoming more of a threat to the country than terrorism. With thefts from railway lines, that really affects the infrastructure of the country and whole villages have lost their phone lines after cable thefts.”
Nationally, metal theft rose by 70pc in the past 12 months but in Norfolk, the increase has been held back to 40pc.
Transport minister Norman Baker recently said new legislation might be required to deal with the “major problem” of cable theft on the railways.
And Mr Jessop agreed it was time for the government to update or replace the ageing Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 to make it harder for criminals who steal metal to sell their stolen wares.
He said: “They are looking at it, but it would be helpful if they moved a bit quicker. If they reduced how much people can receive in cash for scrap metal that would go a long way. “Some of the people we are planning to target next year will have made tens of thousands of pounds a year out of scrap metal and if they had to have that money paid into their bank accounts rather than in cash that would help us.”