PUBLIC TO PICK FENCING DESIGN FOR HERITAGE GARDEN IN BATH

Thursday 4 Nov 2010

PUBLIC TO PICK FENCING DESIGN FOR HERITAGE GARDEN IN BATH

Region & Route:: | Wales & Western: Western; | Wales & Western

Network Rail is calling for the public to choose their preferred type of ornate fencing to secure the railway boundary at Sydney Gardens at a public exhibition on 4 November.

This public exhibition follows on from the consultation held in February 2009, when ornate fencing was found to be the preferred option to secure the railway at Sydney Gardens.

The public will have the opportunity to choose from three fencing designs in the style of Victorian, Georgian and contemporary at the exhibition. The most popular design will be put forward to the council for final consent prior to work starting by Spring 2011.

Kristian Alexander, community relations manager for Network Rail said, “The public and the council are supportive of Network Rail's work to help make the railway at Sydney Gardens safe. Around 99% of people consulted had agreed that we need to take actions to deter trespassers and vandals in the area, and majority of them had also agreed to back any planning application made to secure the railway.

“To maintain the character of the park while securing the area, we have also taken extra steps in creating three design options for the public to choose from. The chosen ornate fencing will have no impact on listed structures in the area and it will also come with gates for people to access during special events.”

The exhibitions will be held from 10am – 8pm at Mercure Francis Hotel (Queen Square, Bath) and public can use the opportunity to view the fencing options, ask any questions and share their comments and feedback.

Public who are unable to attend and would like a copy of the proposals displayed may contact Network Rail on 08457 114141 or email crwest@networkrail.co.uk

Notes to editors

In the last three years, there were more than 95 reported incidents of trespass – at least one incident had occurred every other week. Last year, nearly half of the incidents involved children or young people and in one occasion, a group of youths were spotted trespassing and placing an object on the track.

The low wall that separates the track and the garden has enabled trespassers and vandals to access the railway easily. There is also the issue of people sitting on the wall and dangling their feet over it, putting themselves at risk of being dragged under by oncoming high speed trains that travel at 40mph on average.

Despite previous efforts to stamp out railway crimes in the area, additional deterrence is considered vital and this decision is backed by the West Country Community Safety Partnership Group, Office of Rail Regulation and British Transport Police.

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