Network Rail keeps the West County fuelled and in food during the coronavirus pandemic

Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of key supplies have been moved across the south of the country in the past week as the rail network keeps routes open during the coronavirus pandemic.

• [Vital train services across the South West to continue to run thanks to new Government contracts](http://Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of key supplies have been moved across the south of the country in the past week as the rail network keeps routes open during the coronavirus pandemic.)

The southern region of Network Rail, which stretches from Kent to Devon, has carried 261,191 tonnes of goods including food for supermarkets, medicines, fuel to power stations and household waste.

Network Rail is providing a reduced passenger service - so that key workers can get about during the pandemic. At the same time it is responding to an increased demand for goods to be transported.

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Mr Halsall points out the efforts his staff are making, "The railway's own key workers, including signallers and maintenance teams, are working day in day out in this national effort to keep the rail network and support the country through this challenging time".