Rail contract brings jobs boost for Swindon firm Amey

A Swindon company has won a five-year contract to electrify the Great Western line between Maidenhead and Cardiff.

Amey, based in Station Road, has been awarded the contract as part of Network Rail's £700m electrification programme.

Up to 150 rail staff at all levels are expected to be recruited to help deliver works which will enable trains to run using overhead electric cables.

Mel Ewell, chief executive of Amey, said the firm was "extremely proud to secure this contract".

"We work in the heart of local communities," he said.

"So it is satisfying to help deliver a scheme that will directly benefit people living in Swindon."

The programme to electrify the network is designed to increase capacity and speeds, while reducing diesel emissions.

Robbie Burns, Network Rail's regional director said: "The electrification programme is one of the most important projects for Network Rail over the next five years.

"It's going to be critical to revitalising the railway across this part of the country and we're giving all our effort to ensuring that it happens smoothly with the minimum of disruption to the existing services and our line-side neighbours."