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Thursday 3 Dec 2009

DEEPDALE DEEP CLEAN

Region & Route:

Network Rail joined forces with Preston City Council earlier this week to clear away masses of unsightly rubbish dumped on the former Deepdale railway line.

The last time a major clean-up was organised in May, 38 tonnes of rubbish was removed.

A team of 15 council and  Network Rail  people started work at 9 am and used a council-owned tractor and trailer, plus three flatbed vehicles to work down the line and remove the rubbish in the Burrow Road, Porter Street and Mill Street areas of the city. By the time the operation was completed at 3 pm, two trailer-loads had been cleared as well as the rubbish piled high on the flatbed vehicles.

Jo Kaye, Network Rail’s route director, said: “It would appear that as well as wind-blown litter, there is a big problem with fly-tipping on the line.  This type of behavior is inconsiderate to the large majority of residents in the area who make use of the Council’s refuse collection service.

“Not only does it look awful, it is encouraging vermin on to the railway embankment and quite possibly into their homes.”

Anne Milne-Riley, litter education officer at Preston City Council said: “This clean-up has made a massive difference to the area, and will greatly improve what  was previously something  of an eyesore for the community.

“After everyone’s hard work we want the area to stay clean and tidy, and will take enforcement action if the problem persists.”