Transport Secretary unveils Three Bridges train depot

The depot, which is the size of 13 football pitches and will create 150 jobs, is part of the multi-billion pound Government Thameslink Programme which is due to complete in 2018.

A spokesman for the Department of Transport said: “The depot will play a significant part in housing and maintaining the new 1,140 carriage fleet for the expanded Thameslink network which when complete will operate from Bedford, Cambridge and Peterborough to Brighton, Horsham, Gatwick, Maidstone and Sevenoaks.”

Mr McLoughlin said: “Our plan for passengers is delivering real improvements for those who use Thameslink services.

“The opening of this state-of-the-art facility is a major milestone and paves the way for an impressive new fleet of hi-tech trains to come into service from spring next year.

“The improvements will transform rail travel for millions of passengers, with better journeys on fantastic new Class 700 trains, improved connections and upgraded stations.

“The programme is also creating thousands of jobs across the country.”

* Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.crawleyobserver.co.uk

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/crawleyobserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @Crawley_Obby

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Crawley Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.