Media centre

Monday 17 Dec 2018

Urgent work to stop trespassers in Uppermill from risking their lives

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

Network Rail is today taking immediate action to improve fencing in Uppermill, near Oldham, after news trespassers are still risking their lives near the railway.

Fencing was fixed and upgraded in Den Lane earlier this year after a train driver reported a near miss with a trespasser.

Despite work to secure the railway, it has now become apparent bikers are still gaining access to the railway at Saddleworth viaduct.

Urgent work is under way to further prevent people illegally trespassing at Den Lane.

Chris Pye, Network Rail’s infrastructure maintenance manager for the area, said: “Safety is our top priority. The consequences of railway trespass can be tragic. Our railway boundary fence is a legal necessity to prevent people trespassing on the railway.

“It’s disappointing that a small minority of people are wilfully choosing to ignore the safety measures we have in place.

“It is essential we further strengthen the fence and do everything we can to prevent risk to life and limb.”

In June Network Rail held a public information event at Uppermill to hear the concerns of local people and to explain why the boundary fence was needed.

After listening to local concerns Network Rail engineers painted the fence to blend it with existing vegetation.

Repeated trespass at this location means there is no choice but to further secure the area.

Network Rail is eager for help from local people to spread the safety message and discourage trespassing at Den Lane.

Trespassing on the railway is illegal and dangerous. Offenders could be taken to court and face a £1000 fine.