At a heritage railway in Bedfordshire, volunteers from Network Rail have helped install modern safety features to a level crossing.

The team who are usually based at Network Rails Milton Keynes office spent the day at Leighton Buzzard Railway. The team which consists of six staff who fitted an anti-trespass guard.

The railway which runs from Page’s Park to Stonehenge Works is a preserved narrow-gauge (2 foot). The 100-year-old line was originally built to transport sand from quarries in the area.

Behind a range of heritage steam and diesel engines, the line now offers passenger rides throughout the year.

The installation was placed according to the latest figures which show that on average there are more than 250 cases of trespass on the mainline railway network every week.

What did the officials have to say?

Andrew Robinson, a capacity analysis project manager at Network Rail, said:

“It was great to be able to get out of the office and spend some time working together in a different environment, whilst also giving some useful help to a local heritage organisation.

“It seemed particularly appropriate that we were able to improve their level crossing safety, given Network Rail’s ongoing focus on this area for the national network. We’re very grateful to the volunteers at the Leighton Buzzard Railway for giving us this opportunity.”

Mike Bowley, from Leighton Buzzard Railway, said:

“Our regular volunteers were pleased to host and supervise our Network Rail visitors who were able to tackle a physical and meaningful task and complete it to a high standard. During the day such factors of levels, gauge, check rails, clearances, rail fastenings and track support were demonstrated to the visitors, all of which are relevant on the national network. The Leighton Buzzard Railway was pleased to host the volunteers from Network Rail.”

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