Northern has recently announced that it will retain its 17 trains and take at least 17 323s from the West Midlands when these become available (West Midlands currently operate the other 26 323 trains). A programme of refurbishment is now underway. The trains will receive electronic train information, a new disability compliant toilet and refurbished seating. They will also be painted externally in the current Northern by Arriva livery.
FOGS would like to thank the High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership for its support over this issue. Thanks also to Becky Styles Community and Sustainability Manager at Northern and her assistant Lily for keeping us up to date on news! And to David Brown, Northern MD, for his interest in these trains and his communication with us. Much appreciated.
The first Northern Class 323 is currently at Wolverton Works undergoing refurbishment.