Media centre

Monday 25 Jun 2018

Network Rail community project gets underway in Corby

Region & Route:

| Eastern

A Network Rail funded community project which teaches children about railway safety has begun in Corby.

Network Rail held a competition on Facebook with residents able to choose between two community projects and Tackling Track Safety, who run workshops teaching children how to stay safe near the railway, received the most votes.

Over 6600 children in Corby will take part in the workshops, which deliver key safety messages through a range of activities which cover themes such as electrification and level crossing safety. The workshops build upon the work Network Rail is already doing with schools to highlight the dangers of playing on railway lines as new overhead line equipment is installed.

Network Rail has been carrying out work to upgrade the line between Kettering and Corby as part of the Railway Upgrade Plan. This work can be disruptive to those living near the railway and Network Rail has funded this community project to thank residents for their patience whilst this work takes place.

Ed Akers, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail, said: “Safety is our top priority and these workshops build upon the work we are already doing with schools to educate children on railway safety.

“The upgrade to the railway line between Kettering and Corby will have long term benefits; however we appreciate that this improvement work can be disruptive to those living near the railway. We wanted to thank residents for their patience whilst this work has taken place and funding this community scheme is one way we can do that."

Philip Fitton, Tackling Track Safety Project Director, said: “The Tackling Track Safety Project is a great project in which we aim to educate young people about the dangers of the Railway in a fun and engaging environment.

“It’s fantastic to have Network Rail on board in partnership as it gives us the resources to grow our reach and really make the message hit home throughout the country.

"We were delighted to hear we had been chosen as the delivery partner in Corby and we’re very much looking forward to seeing the benefits of the project as we move forward into the summer months”

 ENDS