Media centre

Wednesday 6 Jul 2005

NETWORK RAIL GIVES CHARITIES A HIGHLY VISIBLE BOOST

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

The West Somerset Railway Association has received a package of orange high visibility clothing, part of a project by Network Rail to donate over 1600 pieces of surplus kit to organisations such as scout groups, schools and railway heritage groups. Robbie Burns, Network Rail’s Western Route Director, said: “We are committed to developing initiatives that will benefit the community and the environment. This scheme will not only benefit the West Somerset Railway Association, but also other charities, and will avoid the needless waste of vital safety equipment.”  For this environmental initiative, rail workers across the West 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.  Norman Hawkes, Station Liaison Officer of the West Somerset Railway Association, said: “It’s great that organisations such as Network Rail are able to put old kit to such good use.  We will be using the donated jackets and vests immediately as the safety of our railway is also very important to us.”