Media centre

Wednesday 8 Feb 2006

SCALING NEW HEIGHTS TO CLEAN UP BELLGROVE

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail is carrying out a £20,000 clean up along the railway line at Bellgrove – with a little help from some abseiling equipment. The company’s contractors have already started removing piles of rubbish including furniture, household waste and drugs paraphernalia from the line near Reidvale Street. But part of the embankment is so steep, the team will have to use harnesses to climb down and clear it. The work is being carried out in support of Glasgow City Council’s Clean Up Dennistoun scheme. Two skips are being filled each day to get rid of the refuse. David Simpson, Network Rail Route Director, said: “When the City Council told us about the scheme, we were keen to help. The railway in this area has been blighted by fly-tipping, which poses a real health and safety risk to rail passengers, employees and residents. “The job is being made all the more difficult because some of the embankments are incredibly steep. But we’ve got an experienced team on hand and they are determined to clear the area. “Residents should see a tremendous difference when the job is done. Fly-tippers have gone to great lengths to dump on the area, which is protected by a six feet high fence. I’d urge the community to help us by contacting the British Transport Police if they see anyone fly-tipping on the railway.” Among the rubbish, the rail workers have found chairs, a shopping trolley, bikes, tennis rackets, old newspapers, a table, lampshades and other unwanted junk. Councillor David Stevenson, Convenor of the Council’s Environmental Protection Services added: “The Council is delighted that Network rail is participating in the clean up. We are sure that everyone living in the area or just passing through will notice the difference and be encouraged to help keep Dennistoun clear of rubbish.” Thirteen people are carrying out the work at Bellgrove, which is expected to take a further two weeks to complete.