Routine repairs and maintenance continue to be at the forefront of work on the West Coast main line to ensure vital supplies and key workers are kept moving.

Last weekend Network Rail staff, who are classed as transport key workers in Britain's Covid-19 response, worked up and down Europe’s busiest mixed-use railway to keep it resilient and reliable.

Stabilising work took place on the railway embankment at Birkthwaite, near Carlisle. Weakened by weeks of heavy rain and storms, concerns were raised about the structure holding up overhead electric wires.

Tim Shoveller, managing director of Network Rail’s North West and Central region, said: “As key workers in the transport sector, colleagues have been working around the clock this weekend to make sure that we can get NHS medics, emergency service staff, food, fuel and medicines where they need to be.

“We are continuing to plan carefully while supporting our railway colleagues, especially those in critical front line roles, as we all work together to support Britain in its hour of need. Our role in Britain’s coronavirus response is clear - to keep key workers and vital supplies moving safely as together we rise to this challenge.”

The rail industry announced last week a new reduced timetable is in operation, this came into place on Monday, there is scope for more freight traffic amid reducing demand for passenger services.

This will ensure that critical supplies and key workers are able to keep moving over the coming months to help tackle spread of Covid-19.