Unfortunately, members of the public are ignoring signs and Social Media / Website updates posted by the Severn Valley Railway warning people to stop trespassing on the line’s property.

Although the railway is closed to the public with no passenger trains, maintenance trains are still operating along the whole line along with many hazards which cause injury or death.

Many objects along the line, including the tracks themselves, can easily cause someone to trip and fall over. In the event of an accident, some parts of the line are quite remote, difficult for emergency services to reach, who are already busy handling COVID-19 patients.

General Manager for the Severn Valley Railway Helen Smith said “Some people seem to believe there’s no problem if they walk along the line at the moment, because we’re not running public trains. However, not only is trespassing against the law, but it could also put people at grave risk. We have unscheduled maintenance trains running all the time, and I want to stress the danger that people are putting themselves in when they make the choice to trespass on the line.

Helen continued: We’ve had a series of recent incidents with groups of young people and families walking along the line, as well as youths throwing stones from one of our bridges. All of these people are breaking the law and putting themselves and potentially others at risk by their actions. We have CCTV cameras and security patrols in operation and will inform the police about trespassers. If appropriate, legal action will be taken. Please keep away from the line – don’t put yourself at risk.”

For more information or to support the Severn Valley Railway, please visit their website here.