Media centre

Thursday 27 Apr 2006

PHOTOCALL: TACKLING RAILWAY CRIME

Region & Route:

Date: Friday 28 April 2006 Time: 11.15 am Location: Bridge Street Footbridge, Awsworth Road, Ilkeston Event: Photocall with Liz Blackman MP for Erewash, Nick Palmer MP for Broxtowe, and representatives from Network Rail to highlight the dangers of railway crime Media contact: Ben Herbert, 0121 345 3100 / 0121 345 3098 In recent weeks there has been a disturbing increase in railway crime in the Ilkeston area. Young people have been trespassing onto the railway and hurling missiles at passing trains. In a well documented incident last Friday up to 15 people forced a Central Trains service to stop by sitting on the railway near Bennerly Viaduct. Local MP’s Liz Blackman and Nick Palmer will be available for photo’s and comment to highlight the dangers of young people using the railway as a playground. Nick Palmer MP for Broxtowe said: “I’m extremely concerned about the incidents, all the more as we had a tragic death of a child on the line just a couple of years ago. I do urge all local parents to warn their children about the dangers.” Liz Blackman MP for Erewash added: “These children are gambling with their lives. Their behaviour could lead to unimaginable consequences for themselves, their families and the engine drivers caught up in this macabre game. I beg them to stop.” Network Rail has done a lot of work to improve the fencing in the area and in recent weeks Operation Scarecrow has seen Network Rail staff patrolling rail crime hotspots throughout the East Midlands. Tom Birch, Area General Manager Network Rail said: “The recent incidents in Ilkeston are worrying and these individuals are putting themselves in grave danger by their actions. Trains are fast, very quiet and will not give a trespasser much of a chance if they are on the track. We don’t want a child to die on the railway this summer and implore parents and guardians to make sure their children understand the dangers of playing on the railway”.