Media centre

Tuesday 8 Apr 2003

SOMEWHERE TO PLAY …AT LAST!

Region & Route:

| Southern

A fencing upgrade by Network Rail has ensured that children from the Ferry Lane estate in Tottenham Hale have got the playground of their dreams. Haringey Council allocated the estate, which is located near the West Anglia route out of Liverpool Street, just enough money to install a playground, but planning permission was subject to improvements to the fencing. Network Rail was approached by The Ferry Lane Action Group (FLAG) and welcomed the proposal to upgrade the fencing.  At a cost of £4,000 Network Rail transformed 75 metres of fencing from chain link to six-foot high, anti-trespass, palisade fencing. Ron Crompton, Vice-Chairman of FLAG said: “The children are delighted with their new playground.  We hope that it gives them many hours of fun in a safe environment.” Children from Ferry Lane Primary School joined David Lammy MP and Jon Wiseman, General Manager, Network Rail to officially open the playground.                                                             - more – Playground – 2 Jon Wiseman said: “It is essential that children and adults understand the very real dangers of the railway.  Fencing is a deterrent, but it is education and enforcement that will really save lives.” As part of its national route crime programme, Network Rail gave the children, ranging from 4 to 11 years old, an educational talk after the opening and provided them all with literature and classroom equipment focusing on railway safety.  Network Rail risk assess all fencing on the network and have a proactive renewals programme. Each year, £1.2m is spent on fencing upgrades in high-risk locations in East Anglia.  Network Rail, in partnership with the British Transport Police, actively seek prosecutions against vandals who trespass and damage railway property.  Any acts of railway crime can be reported, confidentially to 0800 40 50 40, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.