Email leak reveals unsafe Tube track

A leaked staff email has revealed unsafe and poor conditions on tracks on the Underground.

The email was written following a safety inspection by an LU manager who expressed concern about tracks on a section of line at Wembley Park used by Jubilee line trains.

Details of the email were revealed only 24 hours after the RMT, largest of the rail unions, announced it was ordering a strike ballot among 9,000 Tube workers in protest over what it claims are key safety issues concerning.

The LU manager was so alarmed by what he found that he immediately made a full report on the track conditions.

LU, however, says that, while the state of the track is "below the desired standard", it is not unsafe. A spokeswoman said: "The stretch of track is in a siding, not used by passenger traffic, where trains move at very slow speed as they leave and enter service.

None of the deficiencies identified by our inspector are serious or likely to cause immediate safety risk.

"However, the conditions reported are below the desirable standards and will be addressed."

The spokeswoman said the leaked email "demonstrates the commitment of our staff to ensure a safe and reliable service and that agreed safety management processes work in practice."

Unions, however, will seize on the email as another claimed example of poor safety standards on the Underground.

Meanwhile, LU lawyers are today studying the RMT strike ballot order to consider whether the action is "politically inspired".

If the lawyers view that is the case then the union could face a High Court action to prevent the strikes.

Ballot papers will be issued this Friday with the result declared in two weeks time. Union officials say they expect an overwhelming endorsement of the strike call.

The first stoppages could take place towards the middle of next month. Aslef, the train drivers' union, meets next week to decide whether to order a similar strike ballot.