CLASSICAL music can help deter anti-social behaviour – even in Warrington.
At least, that’s the view of train operator Northern after carrying out trials at a number of railway stations, including Birchwood.
Music inspired by the likes of Beethoven, Mozart and Handel is being played at 35 stations as part of a plan to prevent loitering, vandalism and graffiti.
And it has worked – so it may be introduced at more station.
Customers feel safer at stations where the music is played because large groups have stopped gathering there on a regular basis and causing a nuisance, particularly during the school holidays.
The teams which manage the stations play the music at certain times of the day to ensure it has an impact on anti-social behaviour and control the volume so it does not disturb local residents.
A spokesperson said: “Following the successful trial, we will continue playing classical music at these stations and look to introduce it at others in the coming months.
“We want all of our customers to feel safe and secure when they travel and this approach, along with other investment we are making, is working well.”
Birchwood is the only station in Warrington where the scheme is operating so far – but others are likely to follow.
In a bid to tackle criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, Northern is also setting up 600 new CCTV cameras at its stations as part of an investment programme announced last year.
The train operator has also installed 7,000 HD CCTV cameras on board its fleet of trains and invested £1.7m in the roll-out of more than 1,000 new body-worn camera kits to colleagues across its network, taking the total number now in operation to 1,300.
British Transport Police has access to all the footage and can use it in criminal prosecutions.
Anyone can report anti-social behaviour on the rail network by using British Transport Police’s ‘Railway Guardian’ app. They can also contact the force by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.
