Media centre

Tuesday 12 Jul 2005

BLACKBURN ROVERS TACKLE RAILWAY CRIME HEAD-ON

Region & Route:

Railway crime is being tackled head-on by Network Rail with the help of Blackburn Rovers in one of the region’s worst hot spots. Pupils from Moorlands High School in Darwen travelled from Darwen to Preston on a train, with passes supplied by Northern Rail, where they received key safety messages from Network Rail representatives and Blackburn Rover’s Football in the Community coaches. There have been significant railway crime problems in Darwen, which is the worst hot spot in the Preston general management area, with children playing ‘chicken’ on the track and incidents of trains being bricked. Pupils were given a rail safety quiz and presentation, whilst on board the train. Coaches from Blackburn Rovers also travelled with the pupils to add their support to our No Messin’ campaign. Network Rail spokesperson, Richard Barker, said: “One in three children under the age of 16 admit to trespassing on or vandalising the railway so initiatives like these are vital to ensure we re-enforce our safety messages.” Network Rail has a successful partnership with Blackburn Rovers through their support of the Football in the Community scheme, who they have sponsored for the last two years. The idea behind this sponsorship is to give young people an alternative to playing on the railway by offering them something positive to do during their spare time. Network Rail’s funding has been used to finance soccer schools during the holidays and after school clubs. Mr Barker added: “We are extremely grateful to Blackburn Rovers for their continued support to our campaign. Their influence seems to be having a positive affect and making a real difference in the area.”