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Hounslow Liberal Democrats |
Children at risk on railway in Chiswick - Paul Rustad calls for stronger fencing
February 6, 2001 12:00 AM
Weak and broken fencing by the railway line near Chiswick Station is putting children at risk, says Liberal Democrat campaigner Paul Rustad.
The flimsy wooden fence in busy Sutton Court Road is damaged or completely missing in a number of places due to vandalism and the ravages of time.
One long missing section has been replaced only with blue plastic mesh.
Ironically Railtrack - which is responsible for safety on the line - had originally wanted to fit sturdy metal fencing but a Conservative councillor objected. He insisted wood was necessary for the character of the area.
Paul Rustad, Liberal Democrat candidate in the Chiswick Riverside by-election, has briefed Railtrack on the problem and will be monitoring their response.
He is calling for urgent repairs to the existing fence - and for it to eventually be replaced with safe metal railings, similar to those on the other side of the track at the Grove Park shops.
Paul said:
"Obviously we must preserve the unique character of Chiswick, but half-measures simply are not acceptable where rail safety is concerned.
"A small child could dash away from its parents at any time and be on the tracks in a moment, while railways hold an endless fascination for older children who need protecting from themselves.
"Metal railings would provide the safest solution - but if they will not pay for them, Railtrack should at least make sure the existing fence is properly maintained."
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