Stations win safety awards

THREE of Anglia Railways' main line stations – Ipswich, Diss and Stowmarket – have won a national award for their safety standards.The stations received the awards, which last for two years, under the Secure Stations Scheme, managed by the Department for Transport (DfT) in partnership with the British Transport Police and the charity Crime Concern.

THREE of Anglia Railways' main line stations – Ipswich, Diss and Stowmarket – have won a national award for their safety standards.

The stations received the awards, which last for two years, under the Secure Stations Scheme, managed by the Department for Transport (DfT) in partnership with the British Transport Police and the charity Crime Concern.

Security features at each station include CCTV monitoring, good levels of lighting, good management of security issues, including staff presence, and regular security checks.

The stations gained accreditation after the station teams carried out customer surveys in which they received good feedback from customers about how safe they felt on the stations.

Passengers also made suggestions for improvements that led to Diss and Stowmarket installing convex mirrors on the platforms and footbridges which allow people to see round corners, improving the sense of security.

Each station also demonstrated a very low crime rate per passenger, which is vital to gaining the accreditation.

Anglia Railways' business manager – stations, Clive Morris, said: "I am delighted that three of our principal stations have achieved this award, providing a further incentive to encourage more people to take the train - as well as recognising our efforts to provide our valued existing customers with safe, secure facilities.

"These nationally-recognised awards reinforce our assurance to staff and passengers that their safety and security are top priorities in our pursuit of customer service excellence."