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Friday 26 Apr 2024

Rail safety is the focus of Easter sports activities in Levenmouth

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

A two-week programme of Easter sports activities helped deliver rail safety advice for young people from across Levenmouth.

Run by Fife Active Schools and Community Use Schools in partnership with Network Rail, the Easter programme encouraged participation in sport while promoting physical activity and wellbeing.

The multi-sport initiative, based at Kennoway and Thornton Primary schools, and Levenmouth Academy, has been ongoing since 2022 and offers a pathway for young people to participate in sport.

It has enabled participants to get active and have some fun and has provided a platform for crucial rail safety messages as part of the Scottish Government-funded Levenmouth rail link project.

Five key rail safety messages have been delivered, focusing on keeping people safe and off the tracks through a range of activities and initiatives in the community.

Callum Reston, Active Schools Co-ordinator said, “This partnership has been really worthwhile, and it has given us a really good opportunity to reach an audience of young people and families in the area to make them aware of the importance of rail safety ahead of the opening of the rail link.

“As we approach the opening date, our ambassadors continue to deliver those important messages and make sure our messages are consistent right through our delivery.

“This partnership with the Levenmouth Rail Link project has been a fantastic asset to Active Schools and Community Use as it has given us opportunities to offer free and accessible provisions for communities who need it most in our area.

“While the new railway link has many benefits, it also comes with potential dangers and raising awareness of this across the area is key to empowering people to make the right choices and keep themselves, and others, safe.”

Joe Mulvenna, project manager for Network Rail said: “It’s important that everyone in Levenmouth is aware of the potential dangers of an operational railway, particularly for a community that hasn’t had trains running on the line for more than 50 years.

“We want everyone to enjoy and utilise the railway and we will do our best to make sure that everyone in the community is equipped with the knowledge they need to make the right decisions when around the tracks and stations to keep themselves safe.”

The Easter programme has created opportunities for young leaders and ambassadors to enhance their volunteering experiences through community sport and physical activity.

As part of the Levenmouth rail link project, safety messaging has been delivered to communities through talks, interactive sessions, events, and site visits.

The project team has visited numerous community groups and initiatives; including youth groups, voluntary organisations and has already covered 14 local primary schools along the route.