Rail firms brought under single leadership team

Railway firms in the East of England have been aligned under one leadership team, as part of the government's nationalisation project.

Greater Anglia, c2c and Network Rail Anglia said the new structure would help deliver more reliable rail journeys for passengers.

The two operators serve passengers in London, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, while Network Rail Anglia looks after the infrastructure.

"This is all part of our mission to build a passenger-focused railway that supports jobs, growth and homes," said Rail Minister Lord Hendy.

Jamie Burles, managing director for Anglia's rail network, said the leadership team meant they could "plan better, respond faster".

"Over time, that means better co-ordination during disruption, more effective planning of engineering work and a more consistent experience for customers and communities across the region," he said.

The government said the move mirrored the approach taken by publicly owned South Eastern Railway and South Western Railway.

There would be no immediate changes to services, branding or the way customers travelled, a spokesperson said.

The government has promised to take ownership of all rail operators by October 2027, under the umbrella of Great British Railways.

Greater Anglia and c2c were among the first to be brought under its control.

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.