Jarvis probe over 'falsified documents'

NETWORK RAIL is investigating claims that engineering contractor Jarvis entered falsified documents over track work, it has emerged.

The allegations relate to work being carried out on the West Coast Main Line.

Jarvis admitted today it had laid some of the track incorrectly, leading to speed restrictions this week. But it strenuously denied any impropriety.

'We would refute any allegations that documentation had been falsified,' a spokeswoman said. 'Any Jarvis employee found to have deliberately falsified documentation could expect to be dismissed and possibly prosecuted.'

She admitted 'incorrect stressing methods had been used' on the sections of track between Macclesfield and Stoke. The problems with the stressing carried out by Jarvis puts the track at risk of cracking in cold conditions.

Network Rail confirmed that an investigation was taking place after a journalist brought the allegations to its attention.

Jarvis Rail is at the centre of the investigation into the Potters Bar rail crash and has also admitted being at fault for a derailment at King's Cross station in London last month.