Wednesday 10 May 2006
ALL CLEAN IN ACOCKS GREEN
- Region & Route:
Passengers are set to benefit following a clean up operation by Network Rail at a railway crime hotspot in Acocks Green in Birmingham.
Passengers are set to benefit following a clean up operation by Network Rail at a railway crime hotspot in Acocks Green in Birmingham. The bridge at Woodcock Lane has seen extensive trespass and vandalism. Shopping trolleys and other objects have been thrown onto the line and the area has suffered from extensive fly tipping. Network Rail has cleaned up the area, removing more than 100 bags of rubbish and 5 tonnes of heavier items such as furniture which had been dumped at the site. The bridge itself, which was covered in graffiti has been repainted and new fencing has been erected to deter would be trespassers. Peter Leppard, Area General Manager for the West Midlands said: “Trespass and vandalism on the railway is not only dangerous, the results create a real eyesore for local residents and can delay rail passengers. We are committed to reducing the impact of railway crime and I would urge anyone who witnesses an offence to report it to the British Transport Police.” Central Trains' Line Manager Mark Lawton added; "I'm delighted that Network Rail is taking action at Acock's Green, as well as tackling issues such as trespass and anti-social behaviour on the railway; passengers will benefit from the clean up as it gives the area a more welcoming environment."
Notes to editors
The project at Woodcock Lane bridge is the latest in a series of Network Rail initiatives to clean up the railway in the West Midlands. Recent projects have included a “Spring Clean” of Kings Norton station and a campaign to remove of over 60 tonnes of illegal fly tipped rubbish from the railway at Walsall. Anybody who sees someone in the act of fly tipping, trespass or putting obstructions on the railway can report it direct to the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.
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