British Rail drops plans for high-speed line

BRITISH Rail has quietly dropped plans to build Britain's first high-speed rail line.

Tenders for the pounds 400m trains on the west coast main line from London to Glasgow have been allowed to lapse because BR is 'no longer in a position to proceed with the project'.

The project had previously obtained government approval and tenders for the rolling stock which would be capable of running at 250 kilometres per hour (155mph) were due to be signed in May. A three-month extension was then given but now plans for the trains have been dropped.