Fences near Old Colwyn railway line to be fixed

Oct 22 2009

FALLEN fencing allowing access to a railway line has been branded as lethal by a concerned MP.

Clwyd West MP David Jones now says he has been promised by rail company chiefs that fencing alongside the railway at Old Colwyn promenade will be mended.

Network Rail were last week accused of being irresponsible after broken old wire fencing was cited as useless in separating the grass bank and cycle path from the railway above.

The area, which includes a series of underpasses and tunnels, is a popular drinking spot for teenagers and residents and councillors fear a drunk, youth or child will be killed if the fencing is left unattended.

The broken fencing is made all the more prominent as Network Rail has erected sharp-edged heavy duty metal railings preventing access just yards away.

MP David Jones says Network Rail had now promised to fix the fencing following an urgent meeting with rail chiefs.

"I had a meeting with senior officers at Network Rail, when I showed them the photos they were extremely concerned and assured me that the damage will be attended to immediately," he said.

"They said they had already visited the site when previous repair work had been done and it was clear to them it is being used as a shortcut and that people were pulling the fence down for that purpose.

"The individual doing this is not only endangering their own life but the lives of other people. Clearly anybody who sees anybody trespassing should contact the transport police.

"My biggest fear is someone will get killed – Network Rail have an absolute duty to have that fenced off, I have been assured that they will do that. If people persist in pulling the fencing down I’m extremely concerned there will be a fatality there."

A spokeswoman for Network Rail commented: "It appears that the fencing has been vandalised and we hope the community can assist by reporting such crimes, including trespass, to the British Transport Police. We’ll be repairing the fencing since it’s been raised to our attention."

To report non-emergency crimes contact North Wales Police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.