Industry unites to support Hixon memorial
 
 

On 19 August, CrossCountry announced that with support from Avanti West Coast, Network Rail, North Staffs Community Rail Partnership, and Train Drivers’ union ASLEF, it will provide support to the local memorial that commemorates the tragic level crossing accident which happened in the small Staffordshire village of Hixon in 1968.

 

Locals have already created their own memorial garden in the village to commemorate those who lost their lives.

 

CrossCountry contributed £3,000 to support the local memorial, which will provide for a new shed for their equipment and support replacing the vandalised window in the adjoining church that overlooks the garden.

 

Network Rail have also matched the contribution, and Avanti West Coast and North Staffs Community Rail Partnership have added a further £1,500. Train Drivers’ union ASLEF have rallied around through their branches, welfare societies and union representatives raising £1,385 towards the project.

 

The announcement also included naming of a CrossCountry train to ‘Hixon, 6th January 1968’ to memorialise the disaster.

 

The announcement took place at the Stafford railway station, which is an Avanti West Coast managed station.