After a fairly uneventful week on the trains last week (Yipee Ai Yey)and forced Christmas shopping trips, I've not had much time to log any entries for a few days. Hopefully this week and next will be much the same.

Unfortunately for GNER, they haven't managed to keep themselves out of the news. Firstly came the news that GNER have gone to the European Commision to challenge UK Gov's decision to allow Grand Central to run services on the ECML between Sunderland and Kings Cross. Sorry guys but unless you have rock solid proof that UK Gov promised GNER would be the sole opperator allowed on the ECML, I think your onto a looser with that one. From what I've seen Grand Central would have to be selling produce in Lb's and Oz's, Pama Ham made in Chester Le Street or Hedgehog flavour crisps, I don't think they'll want to know.

Next came the news that GNER have moaned to the Euro Commision that the charges they pay Network Rail are unfair. From what I've seen they may have a case and I'm a firm believer in equality for all but I doubt the EU will have much to say on the issue for the reasons stated above.

Then we heard about the first refurbished 125HST comming back into service. The 30 year old engines have been replaced and GNER hope to cut costs and improve reliability as a result. So do I. Thing is, when are they going to refurb the cariages?

Finally the news every P'boro commuter hasn't been waiting for - GNER can contin ue to milk commuters dry becasue in their infinate wisdon, the city council have decided they can continue to use land between Spital Bridge and Mayors walk as a car park. Personally given GNER's attitude towards parking I think this is an oppotunity missed. PCC should have taken the oppotunity to give GNER a good kick in the Ging Gang Goolies and taken over the car parks as their own.

Right on. Up the revolution.