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Monday 27 Oct 2025

Network Rail gets a hand from King’s Trust in eye-catching Preston clean up

Region & Route:

North West & Central

Network Rail has teamed up with the King’s Trust to continue the amazing transformation of a forgotten piece of railway land in Preston.

The area, near Skeffington Road in Deepdale, had been blighted by fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour but is fast becoming a haven of peace thanks to the hard work of community groups and volunteers.

It comes after several tonnes of household rubbish, a selection of old sofas, mattresses and  bikes were illegally dumped along the disused Preston to Longridge railway line prompting anger from the community.

The latest group to lend a hand with the glow up were the King’s Trust Preston Central Team 88 projects who have been getting involved in litter picking, trimming back brambles and removing weeds.

They have also created a flower bed where they have planted some new shrubs. So far, the groups – led by Andy Pratt MBE, Lancashire’s former deputy police and crime commissioner – have cleared a huge 70 tonnes of waste over a 900-metre stretch of the old railway line.

That’s the equivalent of the weight of five train carriages, three elephants or a small aircraft.

Nationally, millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money is spent clearing up after criminal dumpers each year. And Network Rail is warning those found to be at fault could face criminal prosecutions.

Ian Croucher, Lancashire maintenance protection coordinator from Network Rail, said: “It has been heartbreaking to see this old railway line being targeted by waste criminals. But now, thanks to the enthusiasm and hard work of community groups we can really see that it’s starting to take shape to be a positive space for the future.

“We hate to see fly-tipping happening on the railway and anyone who spots it should immediately contact the British Transport Police.”

Anji Hesketh, Team Leader at the King’s Trust said: "The King’s Trust team at Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service are always looking for meaningful projects to support, and this one has been especially rewarding.

“The team thoroughly enjoyed working with Andy and are proud to have contributed to the long-term goal of developing a valuable community space."

For more information on how we’re working to keep the railway and our surrounding land tidy please visit - Litter and fly-tipping - Network Rail.  Notes to Editors The community volunteers come from a number of local groups: 

• Community Connectors based in Broadgate 
• Let's Grow Preston - office in Ashton 
• Preston Pedals - a cycling forum associated with the Guild Wheel 
• Individuals who just want to contribute to a better and cleaner Preston.