Plans to electrify the Midland Mainline expected to be announced

Speculation is mounting as plans to electrify the Midland Mainline are expected to be announced by the Government today.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening is set to outline a £500 million scheme to complete the electrification of the route between Sheffield and London, passing through the East Midlands.

Reports say Derby-based train-maker Bombardier, which was threatened with closure last year, could benefit if the scheme goes ahead.

At present the line is only electrified between London's St Pancras station and Bedford.

The move would see the current fleet of diesel trains replaced with electric ones, with overhead wires extended along the rest of the line.

The expected announcement comes after business groups and politicians in the East Midlands campaigned for the line to be upgraded.

Councillor Graham Chapman, Nottingham City Council's deputy leader, said the likely announcement was "very timely and welcome news indeed".