91Èȱ¬

A Network Rail source has confirmed to the 91Èȱ¬ that their chief executive, Sir David Higgins, could leave the company "at some time next year".

Sir David has been credited with improving relations between Network Rail, the government, unions and the rail industry.

He joined Network Rail, which is responsible for the UK's track, signals and stations, in February 2011.

He previously ran the authority which staged last year's London Olympics.

A source told the 91Èȱ¬ that Sir David wants to see out the current period, which runs until April 2014.

Manuel Cortes, leader of the TSSA rail union said that Sir David "had done a good job in difficult circumstances".

"He removed its bullying culture and placed a new emphasis on safety which had been sadly lacking. He was not afraid to take on the 'old guard' who sadly wanted things to remain the same."

"He was slowly restoring the company's reputation and we would have liked him to stay around to finish the job he had started."

"He will be a hard act to follow." Mr Cortes added.