Together with train operators, Railtrack has agreed that the focus for the immediate future must be "safety, maintenance and investment".

BBC: Tories admit rail privatisation errors

The company, which provided mechanical and electrical services such as air conditioning, boiler maintenance and heating installation, said it was closing with immediate effect because of the current economic climate.

BBC: Aircraft seat company cuts jobs

But a strike by oil workers in Norway and heavy maintenance at North Sea fields has exacerbated the shortage this year and sent the price of Brent for immediate delivery much higher.

WSJ: Brent Benchmark Is Skewed by Crude Measure