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Monday 3 Feb 2003

REWARD FOR SIGNAL BOX FIRE INFO

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Network Rail is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of whoever set fire to Parton signal box on the Cumbrian coast yesterday (2 February). All the indications are that the fire, which was discovered at about 7 o’clock on Sunday morning, was deliberate. Lockers had been emptied and just about anything that could be, was piled up and set on fire. The army crew that was called out put out the fire in about an hour. However, the damage to the signal box is so severe that it is unlikely to re-open for a couple of days. It is unworkable because there are holes in the floor of the box, the electrical equipment has been damaged either by the fire itself or water used to extinguish it and the main supporting beam in the box is also damaged. As a result of the fire, some train services have to be amended by First North Western and supplemented by buses between Workington and Whitehaven, causing inconvenience to passengers using the coastal services. British Transport Police have already begun their investigations with house-to-house visits and the scene of crime officer has removed certain items for forensic examination. In the meantime, anyone with information should contact the British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Both calls are free and callers to Crimestoppers can leave information anonymously if they wish to.