WHEN we travel on the railways we expect to do so in the knowledge that safety is paramount.

Three multiple death accidents in as many years obviously cast doubt over the priority attached to safety.

In the aftermath of the Hatfield tragedy, Railtrack has been remarkably candid. The chief executive has offered to resign. And the company has readily admitted its own limitations and failings.

But such acts of contrition must not be allowed to disguise the appalling state of much of Britain's rail network which the disasters at Southall, Paddington and now Hatfield have so clearly demonstrated.

If Railtrack knew nine months ago that the Hatfield rail was suspect, why wasn't it replaced immediately?

And why has it taken the death of four passengers before Railtrack publicly identified 81 similar stretches of line?

And why was a speed limit not imposed much earlier at Hatfield and these 81 other sites?

While we agree there is little to be served by apportioning blame, the travelling public deserves answers to these fundamental questions.

And when we get the answers the Government must once again consider the wisdom of giving Railtrack both the perk of making profits out of the lines and at the same time the duty of monitoring the safety of the lines.

Railtrack's admissions over the past 48 hours ought to bring an end to this ill-conceived dual role.

Great North heroes

SPARE a thought today for those putting the finishing touches to preparations for the Great North Run.

Sunday's event, the 20th half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields, will attract a record field of 40,000.

And it is difficult to imagine the amount of work that has to be put in to organise such a huge event.

While the elite athletes on Sunday will attract most attention, we must not forget those unsung heroes without whom the region's most famous sporting event would never take place.

And we must never forget that the Great North Run is not about winning, it is about taking part, raising the profile of the North-East and raising money for charity. We salute the heroes. All 40,000 of you.