Media centre

Tuesday 5 Jun 2007

GLASGOW SET TO GET THE NO MESSIN’! MESSAGE

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Teenagers in North Glasgow will have the chance to participate in more than 20 sports, dance and music activities – including football training by Rangers and Celtic coaches – as part of No Messin’ Live! 2007, a two-day event arranged by Network Rail. The free event, at All Saints High School on 10 and 11 July, aims to raise awareness of railway safety among young people through engaging and interesting activities. A huge range of activities are planned, including: athletics, boxing, bungee running, a climbing wall, cricket, DJ workshop, professional football coaching, football freestyling, gaming, rowing, Judo, kick boxing, motor biking, a surfing simulator and wrestling. In addition, a selection of local bands will have a chance to showcase their talents and learn from the professionals, with live acts playing throughout both days. David Simpson, Network Rail’s Route Director for Scotland, said: “North Glasgow is one of the worst areas in Scotland for railway crime, so it is vitally important that young people are made aware of the dangers of hanging around near the tracks. Anyone interfering with trains and the track risks injury disfigurement and death. They also present a danger to the passengers travelling on the train. “Network Rail is committed to reducing the numbers of accidents caused by trespass on the railway and our research suggests that this is most likely to be carried out by a minority of under-18s. In particular, those young people who are not in school and do not have other activities to keep them busy. “No Messin’ Live! aims to get kids interested in different activities and encourage them to try something new. By providing some alternative opportunities, we hope to keep young people away from the railway and from potentially life-threatening situations. “No Messin’ Live! in Glasgow will be pretty special. It is the biggest event of its kind ever hosted in Scotland and we expect young people to turn up in their hundreds. The event is free for all school age young people, but certain activities, such as the football training with Rangers and Celtic coaches, will obviously be extremely popular. So come along early to join in.” In addition to the No Messin’! campaign, Network Rail has a dedicated Railway Crime Education team working closely with other parts of the railway industry, offering railway safety information and visiting schools, youth offending teams, youth clubs and local authorities throughout the UK.