Network Rail has launched a multimedia campaign to spread an important railway message as work continues to electrify the Midland Main Line between Kettering, Corby, and Bedford.

The campaign includes a haunting radio message telling a story of electricity having two sides of personality. It highlights the benefits of using electricity.. but also tells of the perils it can bring if not respected in the right way.

The Overhead Line Equipment used on the Midland Main Line carries 25,000 volts. This is fatal to anyone who comes into contact with it.

Providing people use the railway correctly, the new equipment poses no danger to anyone.

Network Rail continue to visit schools in the area where the line is being upgraded and has recently carried out a workshop at The Latimer Art College in Kettering. The workshop focused on electrical safety and warned youngsters that they are risking their lives if they play on the railway.

What did the officials say?

Vicki Beadle, Community Safety Manager at Network Rail, said: “Safety is our top priority and this campaign does a fantastic job of highlighting that you are dicing with death if you choose to trespass on the railway. The newly installed overhead lines carry a huge amount of electricity and can seriously injure or kill anyone who comes into contact with it. It’s so important that everyone recognises the real danger that this equipment can bring and heeds the warning.”

Jo Milson, a teacher at Latimer Art College, said: “Our workshop was fantastic. The workshop leaders engaged some of our most challenging students and inspired them to participate in a way that even our most experienced teaching staff struggle with. The students didn’t want the workshop to end and felt a real sense of pride that their ideas might contribute to a much bigger project and ultimately help get the message of rail safety out to other kids their age. We cannot wait to see the finished project.”

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