Media centre

Wednesday 11 Aug 2004

FLYTIPPING AND ANTI - TRESPASS CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES PRIDE IN ORE

Region & Route:

| Southern

Fly tippers and trespassers face new deterrents in abusing the railway line in Ore, East Sussex, thanks to a joint initiative from Network Rail, Hastings Borough Council, British Transport Police and Orbit Housing Association.  Over the past few weeks the organisations have been concentrating their efforts on erecting new anti-trespass fencing, putting up deterrent signs, highlighting the dangers of railway crime and making sure local people know that fly tipping is a crime and where they can legally dispose of waste. In the past 12 months more than 25 reports of railway crime in Ore have been recorded, making it one of the regions ‘hot spot’ areas. Sue Greetham, Network Rail Route Crime Risk Manager said: “Trespassing on the railway endangers lives. Passengers, railway staff and the trespassers are all at danger of injury or even death.  We hope that the fencing will deter railway crime and the community work will make the area in Ore more pleasant and safe to live in.” Councillor Godfrey Daniel, portfolio holder for environment and safety, Hasting Borough Council, said: “Obviously this has become a real problem and we are concerned not only with the rubbish, but with people getting on the railway line. This is dangerous for train drivers, their passengers and the trespassers themselves. I’m sure we can tackle these problems effectively, by working alongside residents and with the co-operation of the police, Network Rail and Orbit Housing Association.” Ore - 2 Bob Russell, Housing Manager for Orbit Housing Association said: “I am confident that this effective partnership working will help to educate and deter people from trespassing. By working together we are making a real difference to the safety of both the local community and rail passengers.”             The partnership has also decided to clear the fly tipping that has built up near Deepdene Gardens. At a cost of nearly £10,000 it is hoped that the unsightly and unhealthy mess will not build up again.  Network Rail is also spending £60,000 on more that 400 metres of anti-trespass fence which will be erected between Ore station and Ore tunnel.  This eight foot high palisade fence will act as a deterrent to adults and children who use the railway as a short cut.  Both fly tipping and trespass are illegal and both are prosecutable with a fine of £20,000 and the possibility of a custodial sentence. Network Rail will continue the programme of work with school visits in the new school year, further educating children into the dangers of the railway.