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Tuesday 7 Jun 2005

NETWORK RAIL MANAGER RECEIVES BTP COMMENDATION

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Operations Delivery Manager Andrew Gallagher has been awarded a commendation by the British Transport Police after he stopped teenagers from causing a potential accident. Andrew was off-duty in October 2003 and walking to his home in Cheadle Heath, Manchester, when he spotted two schoolchildren placing objects on the track. He immediately called Network Rail Operations Control to alert them before clearing the line. Andrew then confronted the teenagers and escorted them back to school, where they had absconded from earlier that morning. Area Operations Manager Stuart Middleton said: “Andrew’s actions prevented both a potentially serious train accident and injuries to the children. “It remains a huge concern that children still see the railway as a playground. I am extremely proud of Andrew and was honoured to escort him to receive his commendation.” During a ceremony in Manchester Andrew received the Chief Constables’ commendation from Martin Ripley, British Transport Police Area Commander. Speaking after the award ceremony, Andrew said: “The award has come as a complete surprise and I am greatly honoured to receive it. I’m just glad that I was at the right place at the right time and managed to get the track cleared.”