Media centre

Monday 12 Feb 2007

NETWORK RAIL SUPPORTS SKIPTON CLEAN UP

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Network Rail has invested £4,500 in fencing and clearing up a notorious trespass blackspot at the Burnside estate in Skipton. This follows reports of anti-social behaviour and vandalism including smashed windows on nearby properties and fires being set on the embankments. The Safer Craven Community Partnership has brought together local agencies to try and reduce the problem. North Yorkshire County Council has improved lighting on the bridge over the railway and the local District Council has trimmed the hedges and replaced a litter bin which previously been set on fire. The Town Council also has plans to install new play areas for teenagers and young children who live on the estate. In support of these efforts Network Rail has installed tough palisade fencing to make it harder to get on to the railway tracks. The track itself has also been cleared of litter and rubbish. Andrew Hinton, Territory Maintenance Director for Network Rail said: "We have received many reports of young people putting their lives at risk by trespassing on the railway. We hope that our efforts, combined with those of the rest of the community, will lead to a lasting improvement in the area, and also encourage people to stay away from the railway lines." Stacey Mitchell, anti-social behaviour co-ordinator for the Safer Craven Community Partnership added: "The collective efforts of each agency have brought about a definite drop of anti-social reports. It is fair to say that most of these incidents are a seasonal problem generally; however the residents are assured that this area will be monitored and we will respond where necessary. I am sure that the fencing provided by Network Rail will be a huge help."