Greater Anglia to install anti-trespass measures

Greater Anglia is putting anti-trespass measures at railway stations across the East of England, after figures from the past year revealed that trespass incidents caused more than 18 days' worth of delays.

Additional fences, gates and witches' hats (rubber spikes on the ground) are set to be installed at Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk stations.

The regional rail provider hoped it would keep people away from the track, adding that trespass incidents led to 251 train cancellations between January and September last year.

Matt Wakefield, Greater Anglia's safety director, said: "The railway is not a playground, and people should never go on the tracks without permission."

"Anyone who does so is putting their life and the lives of others at risk," he added.

Anti-trespass measures were due to be installed at Attleborough, Cromer, Diss, Eccles Road, Gunton, Harling Road, Lakenheath, Manea, March, Roughton Road, Shippea Hill, Spooner Row, St Margarets, Thetford, West Runton, Whittlesey and Wymondham stations.

The measures are expected to be completed by the spring.

Wakefield said: "Safety is our top priority on the railway. These measures are designed to help keep people off the tracks and in a safe place.

"Anyone who sees someone on the tracks should alert a member of rail staff immediately or dial 999 in an emergency."

Greater Anglia also works with the charity Samaritans, which offers training to all rail staff across the country.

It shows them how to recognise someone who may be vulnerable, and educate them on how to start a conversation with them.

The staff are also taught essential listening skills, as well as how to get the person to a place of safety and refer them to friends, family, the British Transport Police or Samaritans to receive further support.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.