Media centre

Thursday 10 Apr 2003

MAJOR RAILWAY RUBBISH CLEARANCE IN SHREWSBURY

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

A Network Rail project to clear rubbish and vegetation from railway embankments in the Ditherington area of Shrewsbury got under way this week.  Even with the use of a JCB, it is expected to take a fortnight to clear the many piles of household rubbish thrown onto railway land, with a further week for general clearance and tidying up.  The project will cost £29,000.             Following the clearance, Network Rail will erect 2.4 metre steel palisade security fencing throughout the area, at a cost of around £40,000.             Lee Green, Network Rail’s Maintenance Delivery Manager in the Shrewsbury area said:  “Most of Network Rail’s work to deliver a safe and reliable railway involves vital behind-the-scenes engineering.  But dealing with trespass and environmental issues is also an important part of that commitment.  We are trying to be good neighbours here by keeping the area secure and creating a cleaner and safer environment. ” When the work is complete, people living nearby will be contacted by letter in a joint initiative by Network Rail, the British Transport Police and Severnside Housing.  Residents will be informed of the improvements and given telephone numbers for reporting any illegal fly-tipping.  The Network Rail Help Line is 08467 114141 and the number for the British Transport Police is 0800 405040.