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Friday 27 Sep 2024

Haslemere and Romsey schools honoured as part of Network Rail’s Rail Safe Wessex campaign

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

| Southern

The Romsey School and three Haslemere primary schools, Camelsdale, Shootermill and St Barts, have been honoured at a formal launch of a new Network Rail drive to promote safe rail behaviours

Rail Safe Wessex is a long-term project publicly recognises local schools that have committed to partnering with the rail industry to keep young people safe.

Network Rail worked closely with students from The Romsey School and local artists to co-create various artworks that are now displayed with pride at their local Romsey Station.

For the past three years, Network Rail and South Western Railway have also visited Camelsdale, Shottermill and St Barts primary schools, which are all feeder schools for Bohunt secondary school in Liphook, to deliver their “Try the Train” safety session.

It involves taking the children on the exact journey they will take when they move up to secondary school, catching a train from their local station in Haslemere to Liphook station, followed by the walk to Bohunt secondary school. Along the way children meet and talk to station staff so they can understand what to expect and learn how the rail industry comes together to keep them safe.

Rail Safe Wessex was publicly launched at Haslemere Station on Monday 23 September with the plaque commemorating the work of the schools being formally unveiled. A similar plaque is in place at Romsey Station.

Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex Route Director, said: “The railway is a dangerous place if used incorrectly. Trains weigh hundreds of tonnes and need the length of several football pitches to stop from full speed and there are hidden dangers as well, such as the electrified third rail. When used safely though, travelling by train is a fantastic experience and, by working closely with schools, we are keen to ensure the next generation know how to use our network properly.

“Our Try the Train initiative helps to give schoolchildren a boost of confidence before they take the step up to secondary school, arming them with the practical knowledge they need to travel safely.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support these schools have provided and we’re keen to work with educational establishments across the rest of our network to continue promoting safe behaviours that keep communities and passengers safe.”

Participating schools are awarded stars for taking part which can earn them a plaque at their school or local station to showcase their commitment to rail safety.

Jane Lupson, South Western Railway’s Safety and Security Director said: “We’re delighted to be working with our colleagues at Network Rail to deliver a programme which is helping to teach schoolchildren about safety on the railway.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to deliver Rail Safe Wessex and helping more children to learn safe behaviours when they are around the railway”

Simon Avenell, Headteacher at St Bartholomew’s Primary School, said: “Rail safety is incredibly important for our children to learn about and we are pleased to be part of Network Rail’s initiative to promote positive behaviours. Many of our children go on to travel to their secondary school by rail so the work Network Rail do to encourage safe travel helps our children keep safe now as well as when they become more independent at secondary school.”

A Shottermill Junior School spokesperson said: “Shottermill Junior School have always been keen to deliver the 'Take the Train' programme to their pupils. The initiative helps them feel prepared for senior school, which often due to our locality, involves a train trip. Additionally we are so grateful to South Western Railways and Network Rail for delivering thought-provoking presentations and for taking the time to take our pupils on a train ride. The children always feel this is very beneficial, and we hope the presentation helps remind them about railway safety.”

If you know a school that would like to take part in Rail Safe Wessex, please contact schools@nrwessex.co.uk