CRIME FIGHTING SCHOOL KIDS SCOOP NATIONAL AWARD

Tuesday 26 Jun 2007

CRIME FIGHTING SCHOOL KIDS SCOOP NATIONAL AWARD

Region & Route:: Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Crime fighting school children from Lawmuir Primary School in Bellshill have won a prestigious Rail Crime Prevention Award at the Network Rail Environment Awards. Since the school introduced Rail Safety Representatives in May 2006, there has been a 90% decline in railway crime in the Bellshill area. In the first project of its kind anywhere in the UK, Lawmuir Primary school initiated a rail safety educational programme which included the introduction of Rail Safety Representatives. The programme aims to address the issues leading to railway crime and educate the pupils about the dangers of playing on the tracks. The appointed representatives stage assemblies, run competitions and maintain a rail safety display board at the school. Entries for the award were received from across the UK but Lawmuir Primary School was judged a deserved winner for making such a huge contribution to their environment. David Simpson, Network Rail Route Director for Scotland said: "Bellshill had the unfortunate reputation of being one of the worst areas in Scotland for railway trespass prior to Lawmuir Primary developing this project. The dramatic drop in incidents is tribute to the dedication of both pupils and teachers and demonstrates that young people can make a real positive difference to the community. "We have seen a clear correspondence between this project and crime figures dropping in the area. Similar initiatives will now be initiated in problem areas across the country." The town of Bellshill is divided by the West Coast mainline, with parts of the community on either side of the tracks. As a result, the town was one of the worst affected areas in Scotland for trespassing and vandalism, however thanks to Lawmuir Primary School this is no longer the case. The Rail Safety Representatives promote and support Network Rail's No Messin' events, which are taking place across Scotland this summer. The events aim to educate young people about the responsible use of the railways and provide a wide range of activities to encourage them away from playing on the tracks. ENDS

Notes to editors

Notes to editors: Lawmuir Primary School will be presented with their award at end of term assembly on Friday 29 June at 10.15am. If you would like to send a photographer or reporter, please contact Craig Bowman on 0141 555 4108 or Martin Gallagher on 07920 508 288. The Network Rail Environment Awards highlight the very best in environmental practice across the railway industry. The Rail Crime and Prevention Award is open to organisations and individuals that can show a measurable drop in rail crime and/or visual issues in their area. Forthcoming No Messin' events in Scotland will be held at Tulligarth Community Centre in Alloa between 12 noon and 5pm on 4 & 5 July and All Saints High School in North Glasgow between 12 noon and 5pm on 10 & 11 July.

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