Media centre

Tuesday 17 May 2005

NETWORK RAIL GIVES CHARITIES A HIGHLY VISIBLE BOOST

Region & Route:

| Southern

Not-for-profit organisations in East Anglia will be changing colour when they receive a Network Rail package of orange high visibility clothing.  Over 1600 pieces of surplus kit are being donated to a diverse number of organisations around the country, including scout groups, schools, railway heritage groups – and even a parachute centre! Iain Coucher, Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Network Rail is committed to developing initiatives that will benefit the community and the environment. This scheme will benefit charities and avoid the needless waste of vital safety equipment.”  As part of an environmental initiative, rail workers across the country have been collecting their surplus kit, including high visibility vests, jackets, body warmers and coats that were no longer needed, as the company has gradually introduced its own branded equipment.  Rail staff use the equipment to remain safe and seen while at work rebuilding Britain’s railway.  The reuse of this equipment is not only environmentally friendly but will provide valuable personal protective equipment (PPE) for over a hundred organisations.   In East Anglia, the 12 organisations to benefit from the donations are: Organisation Location CAST.IRON The Cambridge & St Ives Railway Organisation Cambridge Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Association Ltd High Wycombe Class 37 Locomotive Group Peterborough Colne Valley Railway Preservation Society Ltd Essex Dunhams Wood Light Railway Norfolk Nene Valley Railway Ltd Peterborough Rutland Railway Museum Huntingdon Rutland Railway Museum Hertfordshire Spa Valley Railway Essex St Luke's Hospice Harrow Transport Interest Group Bucks Wisbech & March Bramley Line Cambs