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Monday 10 May 2010

YOUNGSTERS OF DERBYSHIRE TACKLE RAILWAY CRIME AT MOOR FARM

Region & Route:

More than 150 youngsters pitched up at Derby County FC’s Moor Farm training ground this Saturday to take part in the first youth football tournament of the Network Rail/Derby County in the Community partnership.

Not only did they get chance to emulate their sporting heroes on the football pitch but they also learnt how to stay safe on the railway.  

Twenty teams from local community groups battled it out to be crowned tournament champions. Groups ranged from under 12s to under 18s with each group winner and runners up taking home a No Messin’ trophy.

Network Rail’s award winning No Messin’ campaign and the club’s Derby County in the Community scheme (DCITC) joined forces at the beginning of the year to educate young people on the dangers of trespassing on the railway and provide them with a variety of alternative, positive and fun activities, such as football, in which to get involved.

Since the partnership launched, the team’s goal is to reach around 9,000* youths in Derbyshire with the rail safety message by visiting schools and community youth centres and arranging football tournaments and other activities.

Last year there were over 100 reported incidents of route crimes in Derbyshire. This is 66% higher than neighbouring Nottinghamshire. Clay Cross, Peartree and Alfreton are some of the worst offending areas, receiving between 13 -16 reported incidents of trespass and vandalism last year.

Derby is a recognised hot spot for trespass and vandalism by young people on the railway.  Some shocking recent examples include reports of youths tossing stolen goods onto the railway line and later attempting to retrieve them and children placing objects on the line at Spondon.

Mark Tarry, area general manager said “It’s fantastic to see the youngsters so enthusiastic and excited about being given the chance to play at Moor Farm. They’re doing something valuable with their time and most importantly something they enjoy whilst learning about the potential dangers the railway poses, which is what the partnership is all about.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with DCITC to roll out the rail safety message to the wider community and replicating the success of today’s tournament.”

Tom Glick, president and chief executive of DCFC said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Network Rail to support their national No Messin’ campaign. Railway crime committed by young people in Derby and Derbyshire is a county issue that we are striving to tackle through the delivery of positive diversionary activities delivered through our Derby County in the Community Scheme.”