Support services firm Jarvis has taken over renewal work on the West Coast Main Line between London and Glasgow after contractor Mowlem was banned from rail renewal projects this week.

Mowlem was suspended from work on the line following an inquiry into “substandard” work on the track.

It is understood that a 275 m stretch of track was secured in place with the wrong clips, allowing the track to move when trains ran on it. One driver reported a “rough ride” in January.

Network Rail said it had suspended Mowlem from carrying out track renewals “until such time as it can demonstrate that it has implemented the improvements needed in its management and working practices”.

A Mowlem spokesperson said the company had submitted plans to improve management systems to Network Rail and would be working to secure renewal work in the future.

  • Jarvis was this week forced to issue a statement to the stock exchange after reports that it had warned its lenders that it may have to borrow a further £20m.

The company said that discussions with the banks were ongoing.