Network Rail Chairman 'Will Not Stand For Re-Election'

The Chairman of Network Rail (NR) has announced he will step down from his post next year. Sir Ian McAllister, 65, who has chaired the London-based rail maintenance firm from six years, said he would not be standing for re-election. Sir Ian said: "Safety is at record levels, train punctuality is now above 90%, and we are on track to reduce cost by around 30% by the next general meeting. As the company enters a new phase in its development, it is entirely appropriate that a new chairman helps take the company forward." Earlier this year NR received a record £14m fine by the Office of Rail regulation, after engineering work over-ran during the 2007 Christmas and New Year period.

Manchester Officer Resigns Over BNP Badge

A police officer has been forced to quit after he was seen wearing a British National Party (BNP) badge. Stuart Janaway, 36, of Rixtonleys Drive, Irlam, Salford was seen wearing the badge at a football match at Old Trafford in September 2006. The Greater Manchester police officer was off duty at the time. A misconduct hearing was held last Friday, following an investigation by the police force's Professional Standards Branch which said Mr Janaway was "required to resign". Acting Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney, head of the Professional Standards Branch said in accordance with Item six of the Chief Constable's Order of 2004, which "makes it clear that officers are banned from being members of the BNP, Combat 18 or the National Front" all officers are aware if they fail to comply with regulations it "will likely result in [their] dismissal". He added: "This requirement extends into the private lives of police officers and police staff."

OFT Bans Lincolnshire Estate Agent

The OFT has made a prohibition order against a Lincolnshire estate agent, banning him from estate agency work. The order follows a hearing on 1 May 2008, at Lincoln Crown Court, where Simon Bews was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment for a serious offence involving violence. Mr Bews was a director of Winkworth Estate Agents offices in Sleaford, Lincoln and Bourne. Mike Haley, OFT Director of Consumer Protection Group, said: "Estate agents who have been convicted of offences of violence are likely to be banned by the OFT. Whilst this offence was not committed during the course of estate agency work, the OFT will act robustly to protect the interests and safety of consumers."

(JM)