A STRETCH of railway track near Watford was closed for urgent emergency repairs after dangerous workmanship was discovered, it emerged this week.

The busy 100mph stretch at Bushey was closed after clamps were found to be missing, bolts not properly tightened, sections of rail mis-aligned and sleepers twisted.

Nearly 100 trains, including scores carrying passengers, passed near the spot near Watford for 12 hours before the faults were discovered.

This week commuter groups called the finding "seriously worrying". Phil Glazebrook, chairman of the Watford Rail Users' group, said: "It's all part of the problems with the infrastructure they have had ever since they started doing the West Coast line."

He added contractors were doing the work but not checking afterwards how the lines were being maintained.

He said: "The timetable is worked out to allow them to check the lines for two hours during the day. Why are these faults not being found on the inspections?"

Construction company Mowlem had been re-laying the tracks. They have now been suspended from the £25 million contract while an inquiry is carried out.

Full story see tomorrow's Watford Observer.