Media centre

Monday 18 Jun 2007

NETWORK RAIL & PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL STOP RAILWAY EYESORES IN THEIR TRACKS

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Southern: Wessex

| Wales & Western

| Southern

A clean up of graffiti and rubbish is set to go ahead following a new initiative between Network Rail and Plymouth City Council. The two organisations have signed an agreement pledging to work together to tackle problems such as litter, fly tipping and graffiti. Under the agreement, Network Rail will regularly remove graffiti, litter and rubbish from in and around Plymouth Station, along with other areas of the railway. In return, the Council will pick up and take away the rubbish collected by Network Rail and has pledged to take action against any graffiti. Greg Lunn, Network Rail’s Western Territory Maintenance Director, said: "As the owner and operator of the rail network in Britain, we are one of the biggest landowners in the country. We take our responsibilities towards the environment very seriously. We are pleased to be working with Plymouth City Council to improve the quality of the environment, which will be a boost for the community." Councillor Michael Leaves, Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Environmental Regulation, said: "Areas around the railway and train stations are often hotspots for graffiti and fly tipping and this is not only unpleasant for people living nearby but also gives a bad image of the city to visitors and people passing through on their journeys. By working in partnership with Network Rail we hope to stamp out graffiti and dumped rubbish in these areas and improve the local environment for everyone." Greg Lunn concluded: "We have a duty to the community to remove this blight from their area – but we would rather invest our time and money renewing and enhancing the rail network. This is why we urge anyone who has information about fly-tipping or graffiti to call the British Transport police on 0800 40 50 40, and help us fight this costly anti-social crime."