Delay for Crossrail?

SIGNAL problems could prevent Crossrail from opening on time in 2018.

The new £15billion railway will link Heathrow with central London and serve Hayes and Harlington station, but engineers have admitted signal issues could mean a reduced service is run from the get-go. The setback was revealed this week by project chairman, Terry Morgan, who confirmed a ‘mitigation plan’ was being put in place as it grows increasingly likely that signalling on the line won’t work properly.

A source told The Independent newspaper it was even possible no trains would be running at all in 2018. The reason could be the mix of old style signals and state-ofthe-art systems. According to reports, engineers are struggling to link trains on the new tracks to existing cross-country rail lines. UXBRIDGE: Escorted tours specialist Collette Worldwide Holidays, based in Cowley Mill Road, has announced its nonprofit organisation, The Collette Foundation, has just been granted UK charitable status.

The company said it hopes to support underprivileged members of the community. It’s fundraising team came to the rescue of Hillingdon Food Bank by providing additional warehouse space before the busy Christmas period.

Collette Foundation UK Ambassador, Patricia Grady, said: “It is the sense of community that drives our charitable endeavours. Whether that is here in Uxbridge or around the world. Our new charitable status will help to bring change to young lives globally and give back to those areas that have brought us so much enjoyment through travel.”