Newbury railway station has won a national Government award for safety and security.
The First Great Western station has been accredited with Secure Station status, which shows that it meets standards of station design, management, security and passenger safety.
At Newbury, the station platforms, ticket office and car parks are covered by 24-hour CCTV and an alarm system.
What they say
Newbury Station Manager Glyn Beck says: “This is recognition for the work we’ve done to enhance security and safety at the station. Most of the measures needed to get Secure Station status were already in place but this award shows our commitment to continuous improvement. Although crime on the railways is extremely low and we are continually looking for ways to make our stations and trains safer, this award is about addressing customers’ perceptions and reducing their fear of crime.
“Safety and security are top priorities for all rail users and I hope this Secure Station award will help reassure local people who use Newbury station. Crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime are issues which need to be tackled throughout the community and this award shows that First Great Western and the British Transport Police are taking this seriously."
The Secure Stations scheme required the train operator to show how it expects staff to deal with security issues such as dealing with vulnerable people, monitoring CCTV and providing customer information. The Secure Stations scheme is managed by the Department for Transport, with British Transport Police and crime prevention charity Crime Concern.
Other stations
First Great Western reports that other Thames Valley stations to have won the award recently include: Thatcham, Reading, Oxford, Slough, Pangbourne and Cholsey.
