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Thursday 25 Oct 2012

Young offenders clean up their act in Bradford

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A rail bridge in Dalcross Grove has had a facelift thanks to a scheme arranged by Network Rail and Bradford Youth Offending Service (YOS).

Network Rail works with youth offending teams across the country to educate young people about the dangers of misusing the railway. These young people were brought in to clean up the bridge at Dalcross Grove to make amends for past behaviour.

Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: "This area has seen high levels of trespass and vandalism in recent weeks with objects being thrown from the bridge and deliberately placed on the line. Dozens of young people are killed or injured misusing the railway every year. Not only does this scheme give the community a cleaner area but it gives us the opportunity to help young people understand the potentially fatal consequences of misusing the railway.

“Our partnerships with youth offending services help to drive home the importance of railway safety and also help young people to give something back to their community.”

Mal Saville, team leader, Bradford YOS added: “The young people worked really hard to remove the graffiti which was actually carried out by others. Graffiti is an eye sore and brings the area down. This clean up has improved the area and is a great way for the young people to put something back into the community. We are always happy to work with our partners and other agencies to help make Bradford a cleaner, better and safer place to live and work''

Inspector Richard Price from British Transport Police added: “The graffiti and fly tipping on and around Dalcross Bridge has been an eyesore for many residents who overlook the railway or use the bridge.

"This clean up by Network Rail is one of the joint measures that we have put in place since the increase of trespass and vandalism witnessed area over the past few weeks. We have also been undertaking high visibility patrols and covert patrols, and liaising closely with the community, and I am happy to say that since we started this partnership working to address the issues in the area we haven’t had any incidents reported on the railway.”