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# New boss to oversee plans for nationalisation of local rail services
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/new-boss-to-oversee-plans-for-nationalisation-of-local-rail-services/
- Published: 2026-07-16T06:52:06.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-16T06:52:06.000Z
- Description: Denise Wetton to take up top role working "to bring track and train together".
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Transport, News

A NEW boss has been appointed as part of plans to nationalise local rail provision.

Denise Wetton has been named integrated managing director of Great British Railways (GBR).

She has previously been the route director for Network Rail’s Central Route

The new role will see her oversee work to bring track and trains under a single ownership. 

Operating under a single leadership team, GBR West Midlands will join three existing "integrated railways" in Britain – GBR South Eastern, GBR South Western and GBR Anglia.

Denise said:

> **"**This is an exciting time where we can really start to bring track and train together, building on past successes for an even better future.  
>  
> "We will create a railway that meets the needs of the communities we serve and a railway that we and our customers can be proud of.  
>  
> "Great British Railways is a once in a generation opportunity to improve performance on the railway and deliver a better railway for everyone.  
>  
> "The hard work starts now – and I am excited to get started."

Bosses say the switch to GBR will help reduce delays and keep passengers moving by allowing daytime track access and the installation of on-train cameras that can rapidly report rail defects.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:

> "Denise’s appointment marks an important step towards Great British Railways and the simpler, more joined-up railway it will deliver.  
>  
> "By bringing track and train closer together, we can improve reliability, deliver better value for taxpayers, and build a railway that has passengers and freight at its heart.  
>  
> "I look forward to working with her and her team at GBR West Midlands to realise the benefits this approach will bring to deliver growth, jobs and homes across the region."