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Tuesday 24 Aug 2004

NETWORK RAIL WELCOMES ARREST OF GRAFFITI VANDALS

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Network Rail today welcomed news that three youths had been arrested in connection with criminal damage and trespass offences at the former Woolley signal box (between Barnsley and Wakefield).  The youths were apprehended on Sunday (22 August) evening at the signal box.  British Transport Police officers also recovered a number of spray paint cans. Phil Heath, General Manager, Network Rail said:  “We have seen an increase in graffiti in this area over the last few months.  We have monitored the situation and the apprehension of these youths is testament to our close working relationship with the British Transport Police.  “Over the last year we have spent £350,000 removing graffiti from the railway in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the North East, vital money which has to be diverted from our commitment to rebuild Britain’s railway.  Graffiti perpetrators not only pose an obvious anti-social nuisance but also regularly endanger their own lives and those of others when they stray onto the railway line to carry out their mindless acts of vandalism.”