9am Briefing: RBS boss upbeat despite losses

Published on Friday 6 November 2009 08:40

RBS posted third-quarter losses of £1.53 billion today – but chief executive Stephen Hester said he remains "upbeat".

The bank's bad debts remained high at 3.28 billion, but around 30 per cent below the April to June period.

Chief executive Stephen Hester said he was "upbeat, though realistic" over the "tough job" ahead in restoring the bank's fortunes.

On Tuesday, RBS agreed a deal which will see up to 33.5 billion in taxpayer funds pumped into the ailing bank, taking the public stake to 84 per cent.

TRAM bosses have agreed to reopen Leith's Constitution Street by the end of the month having closed it since February for work on the project.

The road has been sealed at its west end but will now reopen by the end of the month until early January.

Leith Walk – which has also been affected by works for months – will also reportedly be reopened, despite previous suggestions a festive embargo on work could not be lifted.

Communications director Many Haeburn-Little, from the tram firm TIE, said: "Having a complete break from active tram works is really important."

TWO men were involved in a car crash in the early hours of this morning.

The accident happened at 2.20am outside the Fordel Filling Station in Dalkeith and involved only one vehicle.

Crews from Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident, cutting one man free from the car and rescuing the other.

Paramedics then took the casualties to hospital.

TRAIN passengers using the east coast mainline may see controversial seat reservation charges scrapped once the Government takes control of the struggling franchise next week.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said he would review the fees, implemented by National Express in May. The charge of 2.50 per person per journey outraged passengers and angered ministers when they were announced.

Lord Adonis, speaking in Glasgow yesterday said: "I will be looking at the issue of reservation fees. Its introduction was not welcomed by passengers."