Media centre

Friday 23 May 2008

STAY OFF THE TRACKS AND STAY ALIVE WARNS NETWORK RAIL

Region & Route:

Young people in the North East are being warned not to make the tracks their final destination this half term.

Neil Henry, route director for Network Rail said: "Sadly the combination of good weather and school holidays always results in an increase of trespass and vandalism on the railways by young people.

"What they must realise is that their actions are not only illegal but could prove fatal. We all remember feeling young and invincible but the danger posed to trespassers on the railway is a real one. At Network Rail we do all we can to prevent incidents - from improving fencing to having a team of rail crime education managers who work with the community to raise awareness. I would ask that parents remind their children of the dangers they could be placing themselves in."

The No Messin' campaign is run year round by Network Rail, aimed at educating young people and encouraging them to get involved with healthy, safe activities. Work in the North East includes:

• Establishing a wrestling club at Eastbourne School, Darlington
• School educational visits
• Involvement in after school activities
• Crucial crews, these events involve all the local emergency services coming together in a single location to give a co-ordinated safety message.
• Supporting Youth Offending Groups