Special cameras suggested to prevent rail deaths near Barlaston
NEW cameras which detect movement could be installed in a bid to prevent deaths on a stretch of railway.
Seven people have been killed by trains in the Barlaston area in just 14 months, sparking calls for safety improvements.
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Bill Cash addresses the meeting in Barlaston yesterday.
The most recent victim was 52-year-old Margaret Welch, of Galingale View, Newcastle, who died on Saturday night.
The deaths prompted MP Bill Cash to call a public meeting at Barlaston Village Hall yesterday to discuss the issue.
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Network Rail (NR) representatives told residents at the meeting that it was considering conducting a trial of new technology in the area.
NR customer relationship executive Mark Goodall said: "We are currently discussing new technology that could help us identify people who are potentially suicidal on CCTV.
"Using technology that detects movement past certain points, we would effectively be monitoring vulnerable areas 24/7. It can potentially pinpoint objects on the line, and potentially track them.
"If someone was detected it would send a message to our operators, who would communicate with the trains.
"We are still in the discussion phase. We are hoping to do a trial in this area."
On average about 200 people die on the country's railways each year.
Network Rail is working with the Samaritans on a national strategy to cut the number of people who take their own lives on the railways, which make up four per cent of suicides.
Its staff are being trained to spot potential victims and how to approach them to offer help.
Ola Rzepczynska, left, from the Samaritans, said the same training could be extended to villagers in Barlaston.
She said: "If there was enough interest we could see whether a course could be run for local residents on how to approach someone who is feeling vulnerable and considering suicide, how to bring people to a place of safety and refer them to the Samaritans.
"Stoke Samaritans have a range of materials including contact cards that can be carried around. And if you come across someone who is potentially in distress you could give them one."
Barlaston parish councillor John Russell said the track should be more secure to prevent people getting onto it, and questioned the fencing in the area.
He said: "People seem to be able to gain access to the line. Is the fencing adequate?"
The meeting was also attended by Ian Prosser, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Railways, who said he would check the barriers were up to the standard.
If you feel you may want to take your own life or are concerned about someone else who might, talk to the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90. Alternatively contact your GP.
8 Comments
by Barlastonian
Thursday, March 07 2013, 12:55AM
“Im not entering into an eternal slanging match with someone that professes to know what others' motivations are... Based on what ? My question to you is... I will continue to push my wheelbarrow of compassion unashamedly... Whilst I'm doing that, what are you doing? This is my last post on the matter....”
by UnicornJones
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 8:19PM
“The Samaritans do amazing work. Network Rail have a duty of care. The only reason that bigoted fossil Cash is involved is because it's in his back yard and bad PR. You care because it's in yours.
Have you been to the Humber Bridge with your cameras and wheelbarrows of compassion lately? Let me guess, not interested in suicides there?”
by Barlastonian
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 4:26PM
“I too know someone who chose this way out. You live nearby? I live here, I've never heard ANYONE complaining about the inconvenience of it – I find your statements quite offensive, I have no idea how you come to such a conclusion that we all just want to get to work on time, most of these tragedies are way outside the 'busy' crossing times, so that's nonsense for a start.
Are you saying we as residents should do nothing? Is that REALLY the answer? Have you educated yourself at all? Network Rail and the Samaritans are working together to reduce the deaths on the railways in general - have a read http://tinyurl.com/d9cqtlp
Barlaston residents couldn't possible solve the problems of people in a desperate state, but we can work with these agencies and if someone is identified as contemplating taking their life then the new technology may 'just' mean someone will get rapid attention on site from an organisation such as the Samaritans.
According to research, some people meticulously plan their exit and others do it on a whim, usually under the influence of alcohol or drugs and take their own lives during a half-hour wave of suicidal feelings – if 'someone' can intervene during this time then this that can be addressed with the cooperation of the Samaritans and Network Rail and the vigilance of our caring villagers. To back up all that's being done in Barlaston, have a read of this too http://tinyurl.com/cg7sx26”
by UnicornJones
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 9:15PM
“Barlastonian... Allow me to elaborate. I used to know someone who chose this way out. If you put cameras up, they will just go elsewhere. It'll no longer be Barlaston's problem. You will then pat each other on the back and congratulate yourselves on a problem solved!
Living nearby, all we hear is folk moaning and complaining about the inconvenience of it all. I don't believe for 'one second' that Barlaston residents, or you, actually care. You just want to get to work on time.
Or, are you saying that Barlaston residents continue to support people who find themselves in a desperate state, even though they're not being squashed in your back gardens? Come on, let's hear some heartfelt commitment...”
by GilbertL
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 12:06PM
“Didn't they install a telephone that connected directly to the Samaritans at Beachy Head?”
by Barlastonian
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 9:48AM
“UnicornJones - what a disgusting comment! Did you not read the article? These organisations AND residents are working together to try and help those that, for whatever reason, become desperate and isolated. Your flip comments may be read by relatives of those deceased - have you even thought of that? Hang your head in shame.”
by UnicornJones
Monday, March 04 2013, 9:16PM
“I suppose if they kill themselves elsewhere, Barlaston residents will be absolutely delighted!”
by Snaggletoooth
Saturday, March 02 2013, 5:29PM
“I wonder how long it'll be before one of their spy cameras records a suicide and it ends up on YouTube?”