'Mend Old Colwyn rail fences or a child could be killed'

Oct 15 2009 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

Cheryl Carlisle

A CHILD will be killed by a train in Old Colwyn fear worried residents and councillors who say protective fencing is broken down, trampled and missing.

While sharp-edged heavy duty green metal fencing has been erected protecting the track from trespassers on Old Colwyn’s promenade, much older wire fencing just yards away is collapsed and useless.

With the railway line exposed many in the village feel it is only a matter of time before there is a tragedy.

Cllr Cheryl Carlisle said both her and Cllr Brian Cossey have set up a meeting with Network Rail to discuss the problems after the rail company failed to act after both councillors raised the issue.

“It is so dangerous, children are inquisitive by nature, if there is fencing down they will go there. We have asked for regular police patrols here,” she said.

“A child will be killed unless something is done. The fencing needs doing urgently. Children are playing and using the area for drinking. It only takes one person drunk to misjudge and it is every parents worst nightmare.”

Jeffrey Wood, 61, has a caravan at Llanddulas and walks on the promenade regularly: “It is dangerous. The kids will start daring each other and someone will get on the line. It doesn’t bare thinking about what could happen.” Robert Carr, 59, of Plas Wyn Old Colwyn agreed: “The kids are hanging around at night time. If they've had a few beers, they could get onto the track.

“They’ve started putting up fencing, which looks nice and strong but not all the way along, you’ve got this flimsy stuff You don’t want to mess about with trains and it is the rail company’s responsibility. There is always the potential for somebody to get killed.”

Stan Houghton, 62, of Llanelian Road, Old Colwyn added: “If they can put the fencing up some of the way why can’t they do the rest? I see lots of kids coming up here with boxes of beer. A child will be killed one of these days.”

A spokeswoman for Network commented: “Trespassing is a crime on the railway. Erecting fences is another tool in our armoury to tackle railway crime and we will continue that work.

“Our best fighting tool is however prevention and getting safety messages across by engaging with the public, especially young people to warn them from misbehaving on the railway. Our No Messin’ campaign aims to achieve that by working with youth groups, schools and the community to raise awareness on the dangers of trespassing the railway.

“This effort will also continue and form a big part in helping us to prevent railway crimes and ultimately save lives.”