This week Network Rail will erect a temporary fence alongside the railway line in Sydney Gardens.
They have been attempting for several years to increase the separation between the high speed trains on the Great Western line and park users. The rail regulator has powers to compel safety improvements.
Many will have attended an exhibition of proposed permentant fences a few years ago. This fence being erected this week is a temporary fence made of chestnut paling. After negotiations with BathNES Council a temporary solution was accepted so that a permenant and more acceptable solution can be found when the park is restored in the next few years.
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Please see the latest photograph taken by Glen Batten.
http://glenbatten.smugmug.com/Trains/Latest-Photographs-1/18031332_7H2dkq#!i=1987394736&k=VNBnV4c
This is Health and Safety gone mad.
Over a 170 year period, generations of families have enjoyed themselves in Sydney Gardens watching the trains pass through. One of the basic problems with H&S is not the legislation, its the interpretation of that legislation by fools. Naturally the “compensation culture” also comes into the equation, where organisations are looking over their shoulders all the time to see where the next compensation claim is coming from. One upon a time, if Joe public tripped over a raised paving stone, he cursed himself for failing to see it coming. Now he’s more likely to think “who can I sue” before he’s got up and dusted himself down.
What could you possibly be thinking of when you constructed the fencing in the park? If someone is determined enough to get onto the tracks they will, fence or no fence. If someone wishes to commit suicide they will find a way. The fence is ugly and serves no purpose. It needs to be removed as soon as possible. I await your response.
Yours sincerely,
William Jones
(email address as above).
Network Rail have been trying for several years to build a fence along the line at Sydney Gardens, which is one of the most exposed parts of the high speed train network. They are prompted by the safety concerns of the Rail Regulator, who are able to compel action. Cllr David Martin and I do not think that the safety case has been adequately made to ourselves or the public.
After many years of neglect, the Lib Dems on BathNES Council have established a project to improve Sydney Gardens (Cabinet November 2011) and set aside money to get the project going (Capital Budget February 2012). This is just the start of the process; residents and park users will be involved, but it may take several years yet. We think that the current safety concerns, and also the risk posed by the high voltage power lines of electrification, can be overcome by a good design that reconciles the different needs. For example, secluded areas beside the track prone to inappropriate behaviour could be closed completely, while we would like a large, pleasant and safe viewing area to remain.
Previous proposals by Network Rail were for larger permanent fences which might not have suited the new project to improve the Sydney Gardens. While we have not been convinced of the need for this fence, Network Rail are entitled to put it up. The timber fence it is less intrusive and cheaper for the public purse than earlier designs and will allow us to find a more acceptable and comprehensive solution in the future.
Yes, Sydney Gardens is along side “part” of the high speed network but is not a high speed stretch of line, most trains are slowing down for Bath station or restarting from Bath.
I know money will play a large part of any decision but can I suggest that some form of Ha-Ha be considered, if the lineside side was too steep to climb it would only need to be about 3 feet deep as the existing wall would add further height.
Pathetic British hysteria! Travel on the Continent, where they don’t treat everyone as a child, and you will see people happily walking alongside the track. Across the water, people take responsibility for their own safety.