Media centre

Thursday 4 Nov 2010

DON’T RUN THE RISK AT BRICKFIELDS CROSSING, WORCESTER’S BONFIRE REVELLERS TOLD

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Network Rail is targeting a rail crime hotspot at Brickfields today to warn thousands of bonfire revellers on the dangers of misusing level crossings.

Brickfields level crossing in Worcester is next to King George V playing field, where a large fireworks display and bonfire will be held today and more than 1,000 people are expected to attend the event.

Concerned with a potential rise in railway crime at Brickfields crossing owing to this event, Network Rail will be patrolling the area during the event to crackdown on trespassers and vandals on the railway.

In the last 12 months alone, there have been more than 20 reported incidents, with a near-miss involving three youths early this year at Brickfields. The majority of the incidents recorded involved young people; these incidents include: objects - including chains and padlocks - being left on the line and children playing chicken.

Alan Milne, community safety manager, Network Rail, said: “The level and scale of misuse at Brickfields is shocking, especially when you consider the majority of these incidents involve young people. Like all level crossings, Brickfields is safe if used correctly, through their actions these people are risking serious consequences.”

“We need a more long-term solution to tackle the problem at Brickfields and we will continue our discussions with the local authority to close the crossing altogether, before a tragedy happens."