Pictures have emerged that are said to show a Virgin Trains kitchen covered in "rodent droppings," as a transport union raised fears of a "major hygiene issue" on the east coast line.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union released the images claiming there was "clear evidence" of a health and safety issue on Virgin Trains East Coast (VTEC), which runs through the north east between Scotland and London.
The union said "pictures emerged showing droppings in the food preparation and kitchen area on a VTEC unit".
However, Virgin Trains disputed the claims as an isolated incident they believe was caused by a supplier.
The RMT has demanded urgent action.
The union said it wrote to the company warning of risks to passengers and staff due to "clear evidence that there is a major hygiene and health and safety issue on VTEC trains".
The pictures come as the RMT ballots members for industrial action on pay and working conditions.
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “It is frankly appalling that VTEC, an alliance of Stagecoach and Virgin, have allowed this rodent scandal to fester on their trains regardless of the risks to staff and passengers alike from the exposure to these droppings and the obvious health consequences.
“This franchise is out of control.
"Only last week VTEC were given what amounts to a tax-payer funded bail-out of £2 billion by the Government while at the same time they have forced a major dispute with RMT through their sneering attitude to their staff over pay and conditions.
“RMT is demanding urgent action over the rodent infestation and an absolute assurance that staff forced to work in these shocking conditions will not be denied the duty of care that VTEC owe them."
A spokesman for Virgin Trains on the east coast route said: “This was an isolated incident which we believe was caused by a supplier.
As soon as we became aware of this, we quickly acted to isolate the affected areas. These areas were then thoroughly cleaned before being put back into use.”
Read More
MORE ABOUT