The town’s MP, Marcus Jones, recently threw his weight behind an idea raised with him by a constituent – to have a fitting memorial plaque installed at Nuneaton train station to remember those who lost their lives in the 1975 train crash.  

Last month saw the 40th anniversary of the rail crash pass, in which six people sadly lost their lives when the London Euston to Glasgow Sleeper train derailed just outside Nuneaton station.

The accident led to the development of significant safety measures, such as audible signals for drivers, which were later adopted throughout the country’s entire railway system.

Marcus also received contact from local history group Nuneaton Memories, who have expressed an interest in organising a fitting memorial. He has confirmed to the group that he will give them his full support.

The local MP wrote formally to the Secretary of State for Transport, and the Department has agreed that ‘a memorial at Nuneaton station would be an entirely fitting monument to the six people who lost their lives that day.’

Commenting, Marcus said: “The 40th anniversary was a potent reminder of the tragic event that occurred here in Nuneaton back in 1975 when six people were killed and many more injured. This triggered a suggestion from a member of the public that a memorial should be erected to remember those who died and to pay tribute to the emergency services and medical staff who no doubt saved many lives.

“I am very pleased that the Rail Minister has backed this idea. The decision is ultimately one for the train operator and Network Rail, so I will now be lobbying them to see if we can make this happen as soon as possible.”